The Women In Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN) works to raise awareness of and progress the cultural, social, economic and political inequalities that exist for criminalised women by addressing the policies and practices that sustain these injustices. WIPAN takes a grassroots approach to addressing women’s social justice issues by directly engaging criminalised women post-release. more »
We would like to invite you all to our new FORUM. Our forum is a place where you can come for support and community. We want you all to feel comfortable sharing your experiences and helping others. Our forum is a great place to ask questions and seek support from others who have been through your same situation. If you simply want to say hello and / or connect to others, then Wipan encourages you to join our forum.
- Women in NSW are being incarcerated at an unprecedented rate (particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women), far surpassing that of men.
- Women in the criminal justice system face unique challenges that are much greater and more complex than those of men.
- Women in prison experience higher levels of substance abuse; increased rates of infection from blood borne viruses, experience more mental illness and are more likely to inflict self-harm than men.
- The majority of women prisoners come from deeply disadvantaged backgrounds. Many report having experienced incidence of past childhood and adulthood sexual, emotional and physical abuse.
- Women prisoners confront unique challenges as the primary carers for their children. As a consequence the emotional, social and economic costs for mothers, children and families can be extensive.
- Almost two-thirds of women prisoners serve sentences less than 6 months for minor offences, many of which serve lengthy periods on remand whilst awaiting trial, leaving very little opportunity for rehabilitative intervention.
