More support needed to reduce women in gaol

21 March 2018

The Law Society of NSW remains significantly concerned about the growing prison population and the increasing cost of the justice system to the community.

President of The Law Society of NSW Doug Humphreys said the alarming increase in the number of women in prisons and the number of women repeatedly ending up before the courts indicated that women needed more support.

The disproportionate number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in gaol was perpetuating a cycle of devastation for families including more children in out-of-home care.

"Many women have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are victims of family violence," Mr Humphreys said.

"Women must have greater access to support services to help them to reintegrate back into the community upon release from gaol including through education, rehabilitation and treatment for mental illness and substance abuse.

"More culturally-appropriate early intervention programs for Indigenous women could also help to promote family stability and reduce recidivism."

Mr Humphreys said the Law Society strongly supported an increase in measures aimed at rehabilitating inmates and reducing re-offending.

"Among the greatest challenges of upon being released from gaol is finding that a criminal history can often hinder women from finding a job which increases the risk of reoffending," Mr Humphreys said.

"The deployment of more resources for diversionary programs as well as increased use of community service orders and Intensive Correction Orders could assist in reducing recidivism."

The establishment of 10 high intensity program units could provide greater necessary support for many women, he said.