Published October 2021

Women in prison in New Zealand share common experiences with imprisoned women around the world. Many women are likely to be caring for children, have low
levels of literacy, have experienced trauma and abuse and to have mental health and substance use disorders. Many women cope with prison life by sharing their concerns
with each other and with staff. In response to these experiences, experts have called for gender-responsive and trauma-informed practices in prisons. This has been a
central pillar of Corrections’ Women’s Strategy (2017-2021) | Wāhine E Rere Ana Ki Te Pae Hou.

This Thematic Report is based on the lived experience of women in prison, as assessed under the Office of the Inspectorate’s Inspection Standards. We note that
women are diverse and their backgrounds influence their prison experience.

This Thematic Report makes one overarching recommendation for Corrections’ management of women in prison, and indicates areas of concern for consideration. (From the Executive summary).

This is one of three reports from the Office of the Inspectorate which aim to focus and strengthen Department of Corrections’ efforts to make significant and lasting changes in its women’s prison network - see the media release for more information. Record #7338