Women in Prison have published a new report that shows Women’s Centres generate a nearly triple return on public investment, by keeping women out of prison and easing demand for other services, but that nearly half of Women’s Centres are concerned about their survival.
Women’s Centres are one-stop shops where women can access support on housing, domestic abuse, mental and physical health, and other issues – all under one roof. They are run by women, for women and offer support to any woman who might benefit, including women in contact with the criminal justice system.
Bishop Rachel who runs our Fighting for Women’s Justice campaign and is the President of the Nelson Trust, a Women’s Centre in Gloucester said,
‘This report from Women in Prison highlights the vital role Women’s Centres play in transforming lives. We know that an approach which places the whole individual at the centre in a place of relationship and trust can be transformative, particularly with women who have a complexity of issues in their lives. For far too many years people have been highlighting the fact that for a large percentage of women in prison, community-based services are far more effective in preventing reoffending and addressing the underlying issues. Furthermore, if decision-makers are only concerned with finances then what we are currently doing makes no sense. Millions of pounds are currently spent on sending women to prison to serve repeated short-term sentences for non-violent offences, whereas sustainably funded community-based services would cost less, reduce reoffending, and be transformative for individuals, families and communities.”
To download and view the report please visit the Women In Prison website.
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