Did you know that...

• There are now over 2200 more women in prison than there were 25 years ago.
• 93 women have died in prison in England and Wales since March 2007.
• 82% of women sentenced to prison had committed a non-violent offence, compared to 67% of men.
• At least 49% of women in prison identify as being victims of domestic violence, compared to 6% of men.

In this episode Neelofer interviews Donna Everett from the organisation Women In Prisons. Donna's story is not the typical one of most people who work with women in the criminal justice system. In fact, she is an example of how someone can turn their life around from being incarcerated to now helping, working with and advocating for other women in prison and who have been affected by the criminal justice system. 

Through exploring Donna's story, we discuss how domestic violence can often be a catalyst for women coming into contact with the criminal justice system and how it is so important to reduce custodial sentences for women, which has far reaching and deep impact on families and children. Bringing awareness to the issues faced by women in the UK prison system and also after they are released, this episode discusses the increased need for trauma informed support services and more importantly the need to lobby parliament for big change. 

This is an important conversation that needs to be heard and will help to increase awareness and give some insight into a subject that is not widely or often discussed. 

"We have potential - no one sees that - they just see the crimes, drugs, mental health - they won't see what's behind it" (Prison Reform Trust/ User voice Women's Council Member)

"Simply put, locking women up for a few months many miles from home leads only to increased alienation, increased problems for families and carers, and, perhaps most damagingly , an increased likelihood of reoffending and recall. They should not be in prison to begin with" (Kate Green MP)