STADA Statement on the Women’s Justice Board’s Initiative to Reduce Female Imprisonment

Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) welcomes the launch of the Women’s Justice Board and its commitment to reducing the number of vulnerable women in prison, cutting reoffending rates, and better supporting children affected by maternal imprisonment.  

The stark statistics demand our attention and action: over 60% of women in prison report having experienced domestic violence, and an estimated 17,000 children are separated from their mothers annually due to imprisonment. These figures underscore the urgent need for a justice system that addresses the root causes of female offending, including the pervasive impact of gender-based violence and systemic inequality. 

STADA has long advocated for a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach to criminal justice, recognising that many women in the system are not just offenders but also victims of abuse, poverty, and exploitation. We applaud the Board’s focus on alternatives to imprisonment, such as women’s centres, drug rehabilitation programs, and community-based sentencing, which have proven more effective in breaking the cycle of crime and abuse. 

However, we urge the Board to go further by: 

1. Integrating domestic abuse support services into all interventions for women in the criminal justice system. 
   
   

2. Ensuring that survivors of domestic abuse are identified early and provided with the protection and resources they need to rebuild their lives. 
   
   

3. Addressing the gendered nature of violence and inequality that disproportionately impacts women, particularly those from marginalised communities. 
   

As the Board develops its strategy, STADA stands ready to collaborate, bringing our expertise in coordinated community responses and intersectional approaches to ensure that no woman is criminalised for surviving abuse. 

Cherryl Henry-Leach, CEO at Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, shared:

“The launch of the Women’s Justice Board marks a critical step toward a more compassionate and effective justice system. For too long, we have criminalised women who are themselves victims—of domestic abuse, poverty, and systemic inequality. Sending vulnerable women to prison not only fails to address the root causes of their offending but also devastates families, leaving thousands of children without their primary caregiver. 

I recall meeting a woman who had been imprisoned for offences directly linked to the abuse she suffered. Her story is not unique; it reflects a systemic failure to provide support when it was most needed. STADA is committed to working with the Board and its partners to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse are met with support, not punishment. By investing in trauma-informed, community-based solutions, we can break the cycle of abuse and incarceration, creating safer futures for women, children, and communities. 

This is not just about justice—it’s about humanity. Together, we can build a system that sees the whole person, not just the crime, and that prioritises healing over harm."

Call to Action 

• Invest in early intervention: Identify and support women at risk of offending due to domestic abuse or other vulnerabilities. 

• Expand access to women’s centers and community-based services: Provide safe spaces for women to access support, rehabilitation, and advocacy. 

• Prioritise children’s wellbeing: Ensure that maternal imprisonment is a last resort, and that children are supported when their mothers are incarcerated. 

• Amplify survivor voices: Involve women with lived experience in shaping policies and services that affect their lives. 
  

STADA stands in solidarity with the Women’s Justice Board and all those working to create a justice system that is fair, compassionate, and effective. Together, we can ensure that no woman is punished for surviving abuse and that every child has the opportunity to thrive.