Women are dying and its time to take a stand for women's lives
Although the deaths of women shortly after leaving prison has been
identified for a long time as a source of considerable concern, it is
a problem that has yet to be recognised by Government, prisons, prison
operators and other correctional agencies despite the fact that:
*Between 1987 and 1997, at least 93 women have died shortly after
leaving prison in Victoria alone.
*73% of these deaths were drug related, and nearly 50% died less than
three months after being released. 13% died within two days of
release.
*In the last six weeks alone, 8 women have died shortly after release
from the Metropolitan Women's Correctional Centre. Some within
hours/days of release.
*To date there has been no public recognition of these deaths and it
raises the question about the duty of care (or lack of) within the
prison system and the immediate post-release period.
*Housing, health, employment and financial assistance are major
barriers facing women leaving prison. As a consequence, women leave
prison with no place to go, no money, no food, no clothes, without
their children and family, and with little or no support.
*Women prisoners are the most disadvantaged in our society. Most come
from backgrounds of extreme social and economic disadvantage; sexual,
physical and/or mental abuse; unemployment and minimal education.
*The impacts of powerlessness, deprivation, brutality, assaults and
exclusion in prison have devastating effects on women prisoners, their
lives and their deaths.
For more information contact the Victorian Deaths in Custody Watch
Committee via email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or
telephone Vivianne (03) 9470 5058 or Catherine (03) 9317 7818
15 December 1999
ACTION ON WOMEN DYING AFTER RELEASE FROM PRISONS
It is important that YOU get ACTIVE and take a stand for women's
lives. Women are dying on a daily/weekly basis within hours, days and
months of leaving prison. There are just about NO pre-release
supports, information or education, there are just about NO
post-release support services nor information.
CAMPAIGN MEETING
To organise a week of direct actions and commemoration on women dying
post release.
WHEN: Thursday 20 January 2000
WHERE: Darebin Community Legal Centre
80 High Street, Northcote 3070
TIME: 6.30pm
How many more women have to die before something is done?
Victorian Deaths in Custody Watch Committee, P. O. Box 1467,
Collingwood 3066.
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