The profile of women in Flemish prisons
Comprehensive and up-to-date information on the characteristics of women in Belgian prisons is currently not available. To address this evidence gap, survey data were collected from 211 incarcerated women (88% response rate) who represent 80% of all female prisoners in Flanders. Findings indicate a profile that is characterized by socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g., low educational attainment), victimization and trauma (e.g., childhood sexual abuse), poor health (e.g., mental illness), and social isolation (e.g., separation from children). A gender-responsive policy is necessary to meet the specific and complex needs of women in prison.