Last week I met with reps from a local women’s prison. I am arranging a user engagement exercise to determine how best to work with women on release, particularly when they have substance misuse issues. I am doing the same at a men’s prison.
Two facts stood out in the women’s prison:
- Firstly, the vast majority of women there are on remand- approximately 75%. This reflects the length of time people have to wait for their court case to be heard- which has increased under the conservatives.
- Secondly, that 80% of the women are in prison for non violent offences. The capacity is about 550 women. This means that there is a large number of women in prison without being convicted who are accused of non violent offences.
Elsewhere provision has been made to provide a stable safe home for women, to enable them to safely carry out a community sentence. There are also arrangements with local schools for their children if required.
Over the next few weeks I will be asking what progress the Wiltshire and Swindon PCC has made to ensure that the Criminal Justice System in Swindon and Wiltshire is a fair and safe place for women and their families.