A key recommendation is that domestic abuse be included in CRS pathway, recognising the fact that over two thirds of women in contact with the CJS are victims of abuse.
The report highlights how important specialist ‘by and for’ organisations are in meeting specific needs. Most of the women supported by Advance’s CJS services are facing multiple challenges at once, such as with their housing, physical and mental wellbeing and caring responsibilities. In 2023, self-harm among women in prison soared by 43%.
The report also recognises the critical partnerships between these organisations.
Inspectors who put the report together said:
Summer Alston-Smith, Director of Criminal Justice Service at Advance, said that effective partnership work is a fundamental role of the charity.
“That is because we know that the future will not change by one organisation alone; the future will only change if women’s organisations work together in the true spirit of sisterhood.”
With a General Election just weeks away, we urge the next government to act on the findings of the inspection report and also deliver on the Female Offender Strategy to ensure that women get the care and support they deserve.
