1010CCJ_Module 11_Learning Video 1

Mental Health, Psychology and the Criminal Justice System 1010CCJ

Focus on Women, Mental Health, and the Criminal Justice System

Part 1: Female Offenders

Overview of Female Offending

Females represent a minority in the prison population but are experiencing rapid growth. According to Australian prison statistics for 2020/2021:

• Total female prisoners: 3,292

• Total male prisoners: 39,680

• There has been a 64% increase in the female prison population from 2009 to 2019 as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2020).

Reasons for the Increase in Female Prison Population

Several potential factors may contribute to the increasing numbers of women in prisons:

• Escalation in Seriousness of Crimes: Women are committing more serious offenses that may have traditionally been dominated by male offenders.

• Harsher Sentencing Practices: Judicial trends indicate increased severity in sentencing for minor crimes among women, leading to more women serving time for lesser offenses.

• Increased Remand Rates: A notable rise in remand rates reflects a growing tendency to detain women before trial, often resulting in overcrowding in women’s facilities.

Gender-Responsive Characteristics

Women offenders experience factors that affect their criminal behavior, which often contrast with male offenders or occur with higher frequency. Prominent issues include:

• Abuse and Neglect: High rates of childhood abuse and neglect are prevalent among female offenders, leading to various mental health struggles.

• Trauma: Many women in prison have histories of traumatic experiences, including domestic violence and sexual assault, which may influence their criminal behavior.

• Unhealthy Relationships: Issues with unhealthy interpersonal relationships often hinder rehabilitation and recovery.

• Substance Misuse and Mental Health Issues: A significant number of female offenders struggle with addiction and mental health disorders, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care (Wright & Cain, 2018).

Experiences of Women in Prison

Family Dynamics

• Over 50% of incarcerated women have dependent children, which can severely impact the family structure.

• Risks for Children of Incarcerated Parents: Children with incarcerated parents face a higher likelihood of developing behavioral issues, engaging in future offending, experiencing mental health problems, and suffering from poor physical health and educational outcomes (van de Weijer et al., 2021).

• Women in prison face challenges related to caregivers and the process of visiting mothers, including significant logistical and emotional barriers (Flynn, 2014).

Pregnancy in Prison

• Between 3-10% of women entering prison are pregnant, highlighting critical needs in maternal care within correctional facilities.

• Key concerns regarding the care of pregnant women include:

  • Pregnancy Screening and Prenatal Care: Adequate screening and care are essential for the health of both mother and child.

  • Nutrition and Diet: Nutritional needs must be accounted for to ensure the health of pregnant women.

  • Mental Health Support: Emotional and psychological needs must be addressed, particularly in high-stress environments like prisons.

  • Privacy and Work-Related Activities Practices: Ensuring privacy during medical interventions and maintaining dignity is crucial.

  • Use of Restraints: The use of physical restraints, such as shackles, during labor and delivery raises ethical concerns and needs reevaluation.

  • Post-Prison Care: Proper follow-up care is necessary for both mother and child after release from prison.

Trauma and Prison Environment

• The prison environment is typically oriented towards punishment rather than rehabilitation, neglecting the need for mental health support.

• Experiences of trauma can be exacerbated by prison practices, such as strip searches, which may retraumatize individuals and lead to heightened distress.

• Harsh physical environments—characterized by noise, sterility, and overcrowding—can trigger trauma reactions and hinder personal growth and healing.

Minority Groups within Women Prisoners

• Special considerations are needed for unique sub-groups of women prisoners, including:

  • Indigenous Women: Addressing the unique cultural and systemic challenges they face within the justice system.

  • Pregnant Women: Ensuring comprehensive maternal health care during incarceration.

  • Older Women: Recognizing the specific health and psychological needs of aging populations within prisons.

  • Non-English Speaking Women: Providing adequate translation services and cultural support to assist integration and understanding of rights within the justice system (Crissman et al., 2017).

Conclusion

These insights into women’s prevalence in prisons highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive mental health approaches within the criminal justice system. Addressing these needs can lead to better rehabilitation outcomes and effective reintegration into society.