Criminology Report: Impact of Prison on Marginalised Female Offenders

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the correctional system in Australia, with a specific focus on the impact of imprisonment on marginalized individuals, particularly female offenders. It begins with an introduction to the Australian correction system and its authorities, emphasizing the goal of protecting society through rehabilitation. The report then delves into the unique challenges faced by female offenders, including the application of the Bangkok Rules and the importance of gender-specific programming. It examines the management styles within Australian prisons, highlighting the significance of rehabilitation programs and the views of female inmates on these services. Furthermore, it presents the current conditions of female offenders, including the increasing rates of female incarceration and the problems they face within the criminal justice system. The report also discusses the guidelines provided for the correction of female individuals, including management in prison, care and well-being, rehabilitation, and community correction services. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding how prison, punishment, and rehabilitation work together to address the complex needs of female offenders.

Corrections: Systems and
Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
A prisoner or criminal convicted for a crime for an offence is required to sent to
correction homes or programmes under which they are given certain trainings and personal
development services so that they can spend their time in prison in useful and productive
activities. In the present report a discussion related with correction in criminology of Australia
will be carried out. In this report all relevant terms and theories of correction will be presented
along with their application on practical world. For this essay topic selected is ' impact of prison
on marginalised individuals- female offender. With this risk and laws related with imprisonment
of people belonging to group of above mentioned topic is also represented. Reason for
choosing this topic is that treatment of female offender is highly discriminative as compared to
men offenders.
MAIN BODY
Correction System of Australia and its Authorities:
Correction system is an important part of judicial system of Australia which takes the
responsibility of enabling criminal justice. Prisoner and offenders from the community are
provided rehabilitation opportunities. The corrective services authorities manages offender
sentenced in, community correction, imprisonment or periodic detention (Barord and et.al.,
2014). In correction, authorities are not only accountable for people in custody of prison but also
supervising offenders in the society post their release. The major goal of rehabilitation services is
to protect the society by reducing criminal activities..
From this is can be said that correction system of Australia is part of judicial operation of
Australian government. In this all offenders in the prison are managed and all those who had
been released from jail and those who have undergone community correction services are
organised. A close watch on them is kept by department so that offender cannot involve
themselves again in any offence for protection of the society.
The present report is about imprisonment of marginalised individuals which means
offenders with physical or mental disabilities, female and indigenous offender. In this study
detail discussion about the female offenders and impact on their physical and mental health
along with risk associated with imprisonment will be presented. Correction services and
activities are provided to such female offenders for their rehabilitation in the community. The
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corrective services also helps them in getting work after completion of their sentence so that
they can are able to earn and live their life with respect and independently.
Reason to choose present topic of female offender in conviction:
One cannot be oblivion of the fact that needs of female is different from male offenders
along with programs and services conducted for good practice principles. The reason for
choosing this topic is that, to consider a woman as an offender is point of thinking for the
community. Though this not a new point for discussion, but the fact cannot be denied that
women mind is much more complicated than men (Bučko and et.al., 2016). To commit an
offence a woman have a different mind-set and sometimes that can be harmful and dangerous;
to expect a gruesome crime from a woman is still bleak in the community. What are after effect
of imprisonment and treatment of women offenders in prison is very important to know.
Whatever the reason may be women offenders cannot be treated as same level as male prisoners.
Female prisoner often faces abuse during imprisonment to check its correctness and validity
regarding corrective authority, report is prepared on condition and treatment of female offenders
in prison.
In Australia, United nations rules are formed are adopted at wide international level
treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial measures are also frames for women
offenders, these rules are knows as Bangkok Rules. The rules are applicable to all prisoners
without any discrimination. The rules were adopted more than 50 years ago but it did non
focused on specific needs of female prisoners. With an increase in crime by women an urgent
need is seen to take into consideration treatment of female prisoners. In Australia it was adopted
on 21st December 2010, to take into account different need and requirements of female in prison
and women offenders who are not in custody.
According to Standard Guidelines for Correction in Australia, enforced by Australian
government have certain rules and clauses which are laid down for treatment and management of
prisoner under corrective authorities. Following are the guidelines provided for correction of a
female individual, they are:--
Management in prison:
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All female offender in a prison are provided with certain rights and liabilities. These
rights are available to them in form of duties and responsibilities of corrective authorities , which
are as follows:
 Custody: Guidelines for reception and administration of female prisoners
 A person is presented in prison only when a valid pronouncement is made, or when there
occur a valid reason for the same. Date, time and reason for admission in the prison must
be recorded in books of offender. Effective means is provided to communicate to families
and visitors in prison.
 Induction programmes are organised to make acquaint prisoners about environment and
assessment of information. Other guidelines related with unconvicted prisoner can be defined as accurate
administration of sentences, effective complaint and grievance solutions, safe and
effective risk management, safety and protection of victim, appropriate and adequate
classification of placement of prisoners (Byleveld and et.al., 2016). the guidelines are
also provided to manage security and discipline inside prison premise, retraining use of
weapon by prisoners in jail and punishment to prisoners in case a new offence is
committed in the custody.
Care and well-being: All the location and places in prison used by prisoners are kept clean
every time along with this they must be provided sufficient living accommodation, Fresh and
new cloths shall also be given to them as they are not allowed to wear their personal cloths abs
they do not deprive from their personal hygiene (Harrison and et.al., 2017). To provide them
food articles, smoke free zone, psychological and health services to maintain their mental and
physical health.
Rehabilitation: All prisoners are provided rehabilitation service in order to keep a contact with
community and fine an alternative for sentence (imprisonment). In this pre-release programmes
are conducted and services are provided in community which aim at educational and personal
developments along with recreational services.
Reparation: This includes doing prison work such as cleaning and cooking, development of
personal work skills, contributing in work and activities for development and betterment of
society.
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System management: The management system inside the prison is to be evident based,
transparent, equal and fair and take into account all factors and consideration before taking any
decision in respect of a prisoner.
Management of high risk inmates: Those inmates in the prison who possess a risky profile and
can involve in fight or a riot inside prison must be kept in confinement or shall be kept a close
eye on them. This is necessary to ensure health and safety of other inmates in the prison.
Community correction:
 Offender must be releasedfron prison if, it is in safety and benefit of the community,
unless such female offender must not be discharged.
 Assessment of risk relating with commission of re offence by female offender is managed
and checked.
 Community correction service are designed in such a way that protect dignity, worth and
potential of a female individual.
 Access to additional services is provided to female offenders such as rehabilitation,
reintegration services that can serve as alternatives for imprisonment.
 In rehabilitation centres the authorities focus on communication and a good pace with
family, friends and community in order to provide assistance in recreational and rehab
service to female offender (Broadhurst and et.al., 2018).
 Correction authorities must cooperate and coordinate with those who are providing
rehabilitation and community correction service for smooth and seamless operation of
such activities.
 Community correction services are designed and managed in such a way so that specific
needs of female offenders must be provided according to their physical and mental
requirements and age group.
 When delivering development service to offenders, safety and need of victim must is
considered and ensured.
Custodian correction:
These guidelines are provided for prisoner in custody of jail authorities, to ensure health,
safety and confidence of offenders in prison under correction system. Guideline provides that,
female prisoners must be
 confined and managed in safe, secure and human manner.
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 Considered with equality and for all their needs.
 Given an opportunity to go back to community and start a new life.
 Abide by all laws, regulations and acts which are relevant for correction system's
jurisdiction, imprisonment and court impositions.
 Treated and supervised fairly with continuously aiming at encouraging positive
behaviour in them so that social security can be maintained.
 Provided access to all health care and recreational activities for their overall development
and to fine out areas of their interest, so that can pursue that interest in corrective
community activities.
To understand how prison, punishment and rehabilitation works, three tasks were undertaken:
1. To analyse prevailing management style in prison of Australia- from the article it is
critically evaluated that in managing prison one of the most important task is
rehabilitation of female prisoners (Women in Prison in Australia, 2018). This was always
considered even in the history also rehabilitation of women was given consideration.
Though this was taken into account but needs and requirements of them were not always
given value. The reforms group such as sisters inside prison are putting the best efforts to
increase resources of women prisoners to meet their needs. Training and re-training of
female prisoners is carried through case management, which is a dominant measure of
skill the women inside prison. The prison environment is creating vulnerable
disadvantages to women. As with unhealthy and abusive conditions they can live there
with peace and sanity.
2. Views of women about prison management and their opinion about rehabilitation
and community correction: with rehabilitation become more imperative in society, too
many people and women are voluntarily contributing towards these efforts of prison and
females in jail are welcoming this change as per the research article Women in Prison in
Australia. Over 3000, volunteers have visited program to bridge the gap between
offenders and the society. With rehabilitation services and programs, the women in prison
can relocate themselves in community and can lead a normal life with their friends and
family.
3. In the last task it is set out that rehabilitation can endorse an opportunity over
women prisoner to start their life with a new phase leaving past behind them: As
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stated in articles Gender-Specific Programming for Female Offenders most of the female
prisoners are in jail for minor offence and were sentenced for less than a year. The major
causes for this offence are physical and mental abuse of female and family and emotional
distress. Programmes and service are also provided to improve their mental and
emotional stamina so that they can overcome all the problems and can go back to their
community. In the minds of prison administration rehabilitation is uppermost task.
Relationship and interaction with the prison management system creates a feeling of
belongingness and lead to women participation in rehabilitation and recreational
programmes and services.
Present condition of Female offenders: the percentage of female accused in Australia is
very less, as compared to male offenders. But also from 2005 to 2015 rate of female offender
have increased by 50% in past 10 years as given in article Best practice with women offenders.
Out of them 60% of females prisoners are first time offenders and alternatives for sentencing a
female to prison are reducing rapidly. Women in criminal justice faces substantive problems
which are very different from those of men in custody. It can be in form of both psychological
or physical abuse (Literature review - Best practice with women offenders, 2018). With carrying
out a study on relationship between recidivism and view of women on services it was found out
that they focus on services which are more reliable, collaborative and understandable through
perspective of women. Moreover, it was seen that no one was there to support and guide them
for thing there were not doing correctly and to which are challenging them to committee offence
again. There were no programmes and activities for involvement and participation of women
offenders in prison. Still, the phase hasn’t changes, though there are certain improvements but
fact scenario is the same.
Women prisoners are victim of abuse and it is increasing day by day: as per the
article Women Offender’s Framework in Australian imprisonment female offenders face high
level of disadvantages and considered as most socially, culturally and economically marginalised
population society of Australia. Around 12% to 50% of the female prisoners faces intellectual or
learning disabilities and out of them around 10-15% women belong to non-English background.
In recent year disadvantages related with social and economic pressure have increased. Female
victim of both metal and physical abuse do not get proper health services due to increasing
inaccessible to women.
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Disadvantages to indigenous prisoners: these particular group of people faces severe
issues of racism and other discrimination inside the prison (Gender-Specific Programming for
Female Offenders: What is it and Why is it Important? 2018). Women living in these
communities where crime is at very high rate and with over policing, do not protect women form
prosecution of crime as a culprit although thy have not committed any offence.
Reason for being women being victim of abuse imprisonment: a major percentage of
women imprisoned are convicted for minor or non- violent offences. These offences are reflation
of their person suffering of abuse, poverty, mental or health issues. A large number of women do
not serve any sentences either they are put on remand or released on parole according to Best
practice with women offenders. Two of the major factors for imprisonment of women in
Australia are homelessness or lack of access to mental health services. Penalty from these
women make a large contribution in the revenue of Australia and this is a justifiable answer for
them of being abused to imprisonment. This can be seen in various articles and study that
correctional intervention activities and services for women are very limited. With a rapid
evidence assessment (REA) suggested that finding of research in field of treatment of women in
prison is suggestive rather than prescriptive.
Criminogenic outcome of penalization: with imprisonment women lost their future
perspective of employment, vulnerability of their being homeless increases, lead in deteriorate
their mental and emotional health and increase chance of committing crime though being minor.
For prevention recidivism certain many integrated treatment strategies are being
developed and integrated with peer and community to support women facing criminal abuse.
Frame work for women offender: this is an action plan formulated by Australian
government for a time frame of 2014 to 2019. this action plan is estimated to be a mile stone in
history of correction services in Australia. The major points related with this plan are:
Plan of action: This was formulated through strong foundation and clear pathways by
consulting and finding and research in areas where women were actually offences and facing
abuses. In this focus was kept on creation of new pathways on which women offender can lead a
new life instead on focusing on crime they have committed. This will help them to reconnect
with themselves, their families and communities.
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Actual achievements: support and access to opportunities, resources and activities are
provided to make a change in life of women offender and sustain it. In south Australian
communities cumulative initiatives are taken into account to make society a better place by
providing recreational activities to women offenders belonging to their communities.
Execution: a work group is established for carrying out action plan (Women Offender’s
Framework, 2018). It will provide appropriate mechanism to get over any hindrance in
formulation and development of system and opening up the opportunities to provide a broad
range of input groups to those female prisoners.
For this a right of safety Strategy 2011 -2022, south Australia have been undertaken. The
department of correction service are stepping towards a new period of time and setting up a new
mile stone in history of Australian criminal and jurisdictional pathway. For this encouragement
and involvement of communities, government agencies and business partners all together is
sought for supporting this plan and to achieve this significant maiden.
Are efforts enough for prevention of re offending: this can be expressed that effort are
being made for rehabilitation of women prisoners and also the conditions in prison are being
improved along with this, their needs are also given importance. Community correction plays a
vital role in their re-establishment in society and efforts put by jail authorities and other
voluntarist. It can be said that all these activities and efforts are effective and efficient, yet
development of programmes and services are considers to stop and reduce abuse of women so
that offences can be decreased.
The best practice with women prisoner: this can be stated as women needs are
different from male needs in prison as well (Substance Abuse Treatment for Women who are
Under Correctional Supervision in the Community, 2018). The main reason for committing an
offence by women can be related with different relationships, most influential from those are,
family issues, parenting problems, mental and emotional health, housing and drug issues.
Services provided to women should be atomistic which requires addressing most of the issues
which women faces as per the view stated in article Substance Abuse Treatment for Women who
are Under Correctional Supervision in the Community. The interventions and assessments shall
not be single issue focused rather they must be multi problem centred. All the prison based
activities must be integrated with services to communities so that they can sense a feeling of
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belongingness Community base services must be partially linked with interventional activities
thee have reflected significant transitional helpful support.
Another intervention that can be undertaken in correction community services are family
oriented activities. These will certainly focus on quality relationship and arousing sentiments for
non-criminal family members and children. Mentoring activities can also be organised to direct
them correctly and giving them proper guidance from mentors. Some of the female prisoners
faces trauma in and intervention which focuses on trauma can also be helpful.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be stated that in Australian prisons, although is provided
with standard and guidelines, women offenders still faces a discrimination in behaviour and
treatment as compared to male prisoners. The focus of female prisoner is on family and
emotional requirements, mental and emotional imbalance and all these factors lead to
commitment of an offence. It is also found out in the above report that Australian government
have initiated certain programmes to avoid such abuse of women prisoners. Some
recommendation for better and development of women prisoner have also been made in the last
part of report, which is essential for this report as the conclusion cannot be drawn only on the
basis of research and findings.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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systems. PLoS One. 9(6). p. e100799.
Broadhurst, R and et.al., 2018. The recidivism of homicide offenders in Western
Australia. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology. 51(3). pp.395-411.
Bučko, T and et.al., 2016. Many-body dispersion corrections for periodic systems: an efficient
reciprocal space implementation. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter. 28(4). p.045201.
Byleveld, P and et.al., 2016. Safe drinking water in regional NSW, Australia. Public Health Res.
Pract. 26. p.2621615.
Harrison, C and et.al., 2017. The prevalence of diagnosed chronic conditions and multimorbidity
in Australia: A method for estimating population prevalence from general practice patient
encounter data. PloS one. 12(3). p. e0172935.
Online
Women in Prison in Australia. 2018. [pdf]. Available through
:<https://njca.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kilroy-Debbie-Women-in-Prison-in-
Australia-paper.pdf>.
Literature review - Best practice with women offenders. 2018. [pdf]. Available through
:<http://assets.justice.vic.gov.au/corrections/resources/a80ff529-6074-40c4-8881-
684bf4385dbf/literature_review_best_practice_with_women_offenders.pdf>.
Gender-Specific Programming for Female Offenders: What is it and Why is it Important? 2018.
[pdf]. Available through :<https://www.stephaniecovington.com/assets/files/13.pdf>.
Women Offender’s Framework. 2018. [Online]. Available through
:<http://www.corrections.sa.gov.au/about/our-research/women-offenders-framew>.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Women who are Under Correctional Supervision in the
Community. 2018. [Online]. Available through
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