How many women have to die before something is done?
At least 93 women have died shortly after leaving prison in the past 12
years. Women leave prison with a garbage bag of belongings and little else.
Some are lucky and have families that are willing to support them, but for
many the stigma of having a family member who has been to prison is too much
to bear and the woman is often left unsupported.
60% of women reoffend and end up back in prison. Prison does not work.
International research has shown that increasing the number of people in
prison does not reduce crime nor does it make the community feel safer.
Between 1996 and 1998 there was a 17.2% increase in the size of the
Victorian prison population. 188 women were in prison in Victoria as of
3/2/2000. Approximately half of them are in prison for property related
offences and 11% for drug related offences. 40% are under 29 years of age.
77% were unemployed prior to entering prison and over 70% are mothers.
Nearly 80% of women in prison are survivors of sexual assault, incest and/or
domestic violence.
If women had access to livable incomes, affordable housing and a range of
support and community services, including detox and drug rehabilitation,
they may not be forced to commit so-called "criminal offences" in order to
survive. Prison is a system that brutalises, represses and controls women.
Surviving once released from prison is often as hard as being inside.
The surviving time outside prison campaign has been working towards a week
of action to raise awareness about the issues surrounding women in prison,
and the effects that privatisation of the prison system is having on prison
life. As part of the week of action there is a one day forum organised in
Melbourne.
WHEN: Friday August 4, 2000
WHERE: North Melbourne Town Hall (Errol St, tram no. 57 from Elizabeth St)
TIME: 10am - 1.30pm with an informal gathering afterwards
This is your chance to hear the real stories, the real issues and the real
solutions from women who have experienced the system themselves.
Come along and show your support for these courageous women and become
involved in the campaign to STOP the deaths of women when they emerge from
the penal system. Regular campaign meetings are every second Thursday at the
Darebin Community Legal Centre in High St Northcote, near Westgarth St. Next
meeting is Thurs August 3, 6.30pm.
Also, come along and support the campaign by attending a fundraising session
of Judas Kiss (MA) at the Westgarth cinema, 89 High St, Northcote. Friday
July 28, 7pm. Tickets are $12 full/$10 conc.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Phone Cherry 9481 1547 or Catherine 9489 6276 for more information.
Hope to see you at one or both of these events.
LL.VH
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