The number of women in prison has more than doubled during the past decade, although there has been no corresponding rise in the number of women committing more serious crime, and 9 out of 10 are convicted of non-violent offences. 66 per cent are mothers and each year it is estimated that nearly 18,000 children are separated from their mothers by imprisonment.
Baroness Jean Corston’s review of vulnerable women in the criminal justice system, published today, advocates considerable changes in the way that women offenders are treated. The report establishes points within the criminal justice system - at police stations, in the courts, on remand, during sentencing - where there could be alternatives to putting women behind bars.
Jenni is joined by Baroness Corston to talk about the reports recommendations.
