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Tina’s story begins at the age of 16 when she was forced into marriage, a decision that marked the start of decades filled with what she describes as “relentless” abuse. Her experiences include physical violence, such as being punched and having her head slammed against a wall. After finally divorcing, Tina was disowned by her family, which led her down a path of substance abuse and depression. Now in her 40s, Tina—whose real name is withheld—is serving a six-year sentence at HMP Send for importing class A drugs. Reflecting on her situation, she admits to regretting her choices but also expresses gratitude that her arrest happened when it did.
HMP Send, located in rural Surrey, houses 243 women, most of whom are convicted of non-violent offenses. Prison staff note that a large majority of these inmates have experienced domestic violence at some point. Tina acknowledges the positive role the staff at Send have played, helping her to “become a better version” of herself; however, she questions whether much of her rehabilitation could have been achieved without incarceration. She wonders if her punishment might have been harsher than necessary, a concern that aligns with the government’s goal of reducing short prison sentences for non-violent offenders. According to 2020 data, nearly three-quarters of women in prison were held for non-violent crimes, many of whom are vulnerable individuals.
A visit to HMP Send reveals a stark contrast to typical men’s prisons. Situated about six miles from Woking, the prison’s entrance is secured with high fencing and barbed wire, but inside the grounds resemble a college campus with patches of grass and a calmer atmosphere. The prison is significantly smaller than many Victorian-era male institutions, featuring six cell blocks housing women convicted of a wide range of offenses—from murder and fraud to theft and prostitution. Among the inmates is 25-year-old Behnaz, serving five years for firearm possession. Her carefully maintained appearance defies stereotypes, and she shares her view that prison often exacerbates existing issues rather than rehabilitating women. However, she takes full responsibility for parts of her crime and has come to terms with her incarceration.
Across England and Wales, women make up just 4% of the overall prison population, with 72% sentenced for non-violent offenses as of 2020. The Ministry of Justice highlights that many female prisoners are victims of domestic abuse, a fact that complicates their rehabilitation. At HMP Send, staff are acutely aware of the challenges in building trust, particularly for women triggered by male officers. The prison offers unique programs like those provided by the charity Brainkind, which supports women with brain injuries sustained through domestic violence. Prisons Minister Lord Timpson emphasizes that prison is not the ideal setting for women affected by abuse who need protection rather than punishment. He advocates for evidence-based policy reforms aimed at reducing reoffending, particularly through minimizing short-term custodial sentences that separate women from their children.
New legislation expected to be introduced next year seeks to decrease the use of short prison sentences in favor of community sentences, potentially affecting the 16% of women currently serving terms of 12 months or less. Opposing views acknowledge the need to incarcerate “hyper-prolific offenders” regardless of gender, but also suggest alternatives such as non-custodial punishments for pregnant women, those with young children, or victims of domestic abuse. The financial cost of imprisonment—over £52,000 per prisoner annually—further incentivizes alternatives. Nonetheless, critics warn that community sentences alone are insufficient without robust support services to prevent recidivism. Probation officers have expressed concern about their capacity to manage women with complex needs, while some inmates worry that reducing incarceration might lessen the deterrent effect of punishment.
The charity Women in Prison reports that over half of female offenders released from custody reoffend within a year, highlighting the ongoing challenge in breaking the cycle of offending. Inmates at HMP Send express mixed feelings; Alida, who is serving time for serious fraud, accepts that prison is the appropriate place for her and believes that while some women take responsibility for their crimes, others do not. She suggests that the system generally gets it right in the end, reflecting a complex and nuanced reality faced by women within the justice system
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