Empowering Women, Rethinking Sentencing - Our response to the government’s Sentencing Review

The Women’s Centre Cornwall is proud to share our insights in response to the government’s Sentencing Review, drawing on its extensive experience supporting women in community sentences and in prison since 2012, including our work at HMP Eastwood Park, to highlight effective sentencing strategies for reducing reoffending and empowering women.

Some highlights of the report include:
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- The prison system causes significant barriers for women, including having to travel long distances from support networks.

- There are many beneficial alternatives to prison, including women's centres and supported housing. This should replace short custodial sentences for women who are homeless or at risk in other ways.

- Many women in prison are survivors of sexual and/or domestic abuse, living with the impact of trauma.

- Pregnant and postnatal women should only be given custodial sentences in exceptional circumstances. The wellbeing of mothers and children should always be a priority, with a focus on alternatives such as women's centres.

- Post sentence support should be available to all women leaving prison.
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Read the full report here.

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