Why raise the issue
{"Image DocumentName": "Why raise the issue?", "Image ImageDescription": "Women\u2019s needs have not been understood by the criminal justice system - women are kept in institutions designed for men, by men. Women\u2019s prisons are spread out geographically. Women are the primary caretakers in a family. Women are more vulnerable to abuse. Women are more vulnerable to self harm and suicide. Women are ostracized when they return to their families / communities. Reduced access to justice. While the number of women in detention has increased because (1) the overall rate of incarceration has increased, and (2) the trends that have led to an overall increase in incarceration has had a particular impact on women. Attitudes of the criminal justice system and society on female offenders is harsh has they are seen as \u2018doubly deviant\u2019; they are not only seen as having committed a crime, but as having transgressed their gender role. This view of double deviance makes responses paternalistic, protective and excessive towards women, leading to double jeopardy as women face the actual punishment and are treated more harshly for being deviant women. Women, when criminalised feel stigmatisation more deeply than men because of the rarity of female offending, the sensationalism created by the media and the impact it has on their family lives. This heightened sense of shame has its impact on the pattern of female offending. A large number of women who are incarcerated have, at some point in their lives, suffered abuse, whether physical, sexual or psychological. Women\u2019s specific health care and hygiene needs are not met \u2013 also true for children of female inmates. Allviated risks for women during menstruation, during and after pregnancy. Poor antenatal and post natal service \u2013 inadequate resources \u2013 lack of understanding that reproductive health needs of women vary with age and situation. Women are usually incarcerated in parts of prisons which house men - where there are prisons for exclusively women, due to the relatively fewer numbers of women, the prisons are spread out geographically \u2013 affects communication and relationship with family and friends. Problems in taking care of children residing outside of the prison \u2013 children could go into state care (and the women are unable to reclaim custody unless she shows that she has accommodation and means to support the family), or become delinquent. Problems with taking care of dependent children in the prison \u2013 not provided for in all prisons, but in come in consideration of the trauma of separation. But even the most well funded prisons, there are risks posed for the children. Abuse, whether physical, mental or sexual \u2013 whether by law enforcement officials or inmates. Rape and transactional sex are a means of survival in prison \u2013 psychological effect / scars. Increased possibility of contracting HIV/AIDS, Hep, or other blood borne diseases. Impact of routine strip searches \u2013 history of abuse, menstruation and pregnancy also affects women. Especially problematic if there are male staff, or insufficient female staff. Women who have been violently victimised, are poor, have a caretaker role, uneducated are most vulnerable at initial admission. Women are supposed to be role models, expected to behave in a certain manner \u2013 incarceration for immoral behaviour even if not codified \u2013 could lead to losing parental rights \u2013 may not be in the best interest of children. Reduced A2J is related to socioeconomic disadvantages \u2013 ranging from poverty, lack of education and resources. Women are often detained for \u2018safety\u2019", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}