Women's response to incarceration

Abstract

The needs of female offenders may differ from those of male offenders as women often face multiple difficulties, and most of their problems are present prior to their imprisonment. Prison tend to aggravate these situations in women's lives and the problems are compounded upon termination of prison sentence. When back in the community, women face numerous problems, such as lack of employment, housing problems, substance abuse problems, mental health problems and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of past experiences. For women who are mothers, their problems are doubled as they are separated from their children due to being placed into care. The research used in this is a library based dissertation based on existing theories and studies and the use of a case study in order to explore the factors in relation to the question in this study. The findings will highlight the specific the obstacles faced by women after incarceration, the effects on their daily lives especially and relations in the community, including their families and children. The other aims of this research are in finding solutions in re-establishing re-integration and contact with the community through exploring alternatives to custody for women, whilst addressing their needs.