Women in Prison

Thousands of people have now shown their support for a petition calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to purchase the former Holloway prison site and protect the land for council homes, community facilities and a women's building. 

London Assembly Members from across the political spectrum have joined the call for the Mayor to step in. Conservative London Assembly member, Tony Devenish has joined the call for council homes;

Maureen Mansfield and Hannah Pittaway writing for the Left Foot Forward website outline some of the issues arising from the forthcoming closure of Holloway prison - the only women's prison in London. They argue that

The closure of Holloway appears to be neither for the benefit of women or Londoners. However, it can be used as an opportunity to frame a new conversation around imprisonment, social justice and social housing.

On 20th May 2015, the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and Women in Prison, held the Justice Matters for Women: Time for Action! conference.

The event was attended by over 100 people including activists, researchers, practitioners and women affected by criminal justice. The purpose of the event was to build collective action for challenging criminal justice failure and promoting social justice alternatives.

For further information:

The failures of criminal justice and the impact of imprisonment on women is highlighted in The Independent on Sunday  today. The article is published in advance of the Justice Matters for Women: Time for Action! conference on 20 May 2015, organised by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and Women in Prison.