I have recently had the privilege of visiting one of the largest women’s prisons in Europe. Here, 75% of the women have trauma backgrounds and many of these return back to prison after release, particularly during the winter months – prison is warmer and safer than life outside.
Why are we still overlooking the transformative potential of rehabilitation, or, even better, prevention? Early intervention, like mental health support, costs far less than the £40,000 per year it takes to keep someone in prison. Let’s recognise the value of support systems that break these cycles, ultimately building safer communities and better lives.
