4th May 2017

BAME women face double disadvantage

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women face a “double disadvantage” in the criminal justice system, according to a new report. BAME women told researchers from Agenda and Women in Prison that they felt discriminated against through the courts and in prison. The report, based on focus group interviews with women in prison and in the community was undertaken to help inform the Lammy Review into racial bias in the criminal justice system. The report found that BAME women felt:

· They were not treated fairly in court and were unjustly penalised by judges and juries, who they felt were often made up of white men.

· They were not listened to or informed about court proceedings, e.g. only one woman out of 20 knew whether she had had a pre-sentence report or not.

· They were discriminated against and experienced racism in prison from both staff and other prisoners.

· The impact on families was far-reaching, with children often separated from their mothers.

· Some women were ostracised by their communities after being sent to prison.

· Women are more likely than men to be remanded and then not receive a custodial sentence.

Evidence suggests BAME women face further discrimination, with black women much more likely than white women to be given custodial sentences for the same offences.

Katharine Sacks-Jones, Director of Agenda, said: “BAME women face a double disadvantage; discriminated against because of both their gender and ethnicity.

“Sexism, racism or unconscious bias should have no part in the criminal justice system.

“That is why it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure fairness throughout the process.”

Agenda and Women in Prison are calling for a focus on the distinct experiences of BAME women across the criminal justice system; with a reduction in the use of remand and custodial sentences and a greater emphasis on community based support for BAME women instead.

They want racism stamped out in prisons, with efforts made to recruit staff who reflect the gender and ethnicity of those they work with.

Steps should also be taken to ensure contact is maintained between BAME women and their families, especially children, while they are in prison.

Please see link to report here.