jail is a better option. Jail provides
security.
going and this is like home.
women in prison have multiple and complex
needs, including mental health, drug and alcohol
issues and experience of sexual abuse and family
violence. Many of the women we spoke to told
us about the deep and persistent trauma that the
cycle of poverty, violence, homelessness, ill health
and family breakdown creates across generations.
Many women described how these health impacts
were exacerbated by incarceration and persisted
on leaving prison.
[I] have suffered from panic attacks
and have ended up reoffending, as [I]
can't cope with the outside world.
women in prison have experienced high rates
of mental disorder and poor rates of social and
emotional wellbeing.
found that prisoners in general are more likely to
report both mental and physical health problems.
Cognitive study, Koori prisoners require culturally
appropriate mental health assessment upon
reception into prison as well as adequate aftercare
once released from prison.
services increases after time spent in prison.
about the need for holistic health services.
James Ogloff et al, `Koori Prisoner Mental Health',
above n 134, 17-18.
Devon Indig et al, 2009 NSW Inmate Health Survey:
Key Findings Report (New South Wales Justice Health,
2010) 51, 135.
James Ogloff et al, `Koori Prisoner Mental Health',
above n 134, 17-18.
Hobbs et al (2006) cited in National Indigenous
Drug and Alcohol Committee, above n 487, 41. Note:
Admissions to general hospitals also increase after
imprisonment.
women around their health and sexual
health. It can't just be a one-off
program.
culturally appropriate. Years ago, there
was a Koori nurse provided through
the gathering place.
[leaving] prison. Many women have
drug and alcohol issues and need to
be able to access programs. Some
women also have mental health issues
and so need case management or
counselling to assist to treat these
issues. Counselling is also important
as many women have suffered varying
degrees of trauma. Based on past
experiences, many women are unable
to trust others. It is also important to
start to build up their self esteem, their
sense of self worth and purpose.
or questioned the quality of available health
services, within and outside prison.
to support people with disabilities or
the elderly.
within the women's correctional
framework. It has long been
recognised that women's health issues
are greater, more complex and occur
at a higher rate than those of men.
prisoners are "alarmingly high, particularly within the
first few weeks of release" and that the mental health
and substance misuse risks contribute to this.
Focus group participant, 14 December 2013.
Key Informant interview, Aboriginal Outcomes Unit,
Department of Human Services, 30 November 2012.
Kinner et al (2010) cited in National Indigenous Drug
and Alcohol Committee, above n 487, 41.