Domestic violence high for women in jail

A STUDY has found almost eight out of ten women in prison have a history of head injuries from long-term domestic violence.

The research led by Glasgow University found they were also from the most deprived communities.

Researchers interviewed one quarter of all women in prison in Scotland, totalling 109, between 2018 and 2019 at Cornton Vale, Greenock, Lothian and Polmont jails.

They found 79% had reported a head injury, and 66% suffered repeat injuries over several years.

Domestic violence was the most common cause of repeat head injury in the women surveyed, reported by 89% of the participants.

It was found that violent criminal behaviour was three times more likely in those with a history of significant head injury, and that women with a significant head injury had spent three times longer in prison.

Almost all participants in the study, 95%, reported a history of abuse, with more than half reporting sexual abuse in childhood and 46% reporting sexual abuse in adulthood.

Physical abuse in childhood was reported by 39%, while 81% of participants reported physical abuse in adulthood.

A history of alcohol or drug misuse was common, with substantially higher rates in the group who reported significant head injuries.

Almost all, 92%, complained of mental health difficulties, with anxiety and depression the most commonly reported.

Although the average years of education for participants was 12, schooling was often disrupted by exclusion or truanting and many required special schooling or support.

Tom McMillan, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at Glasgow University, and lead author of the study, said: “It is already recognised that women in prison are vulnerable because of histories of abuse and substance misuse.

“However, this research shows that a history of significant head injury is also a vulnerability and needs to be included when considering mental health needs and in developing criminal justice policy given the relationships with associated disabilities, abuse and violent crime.

“There is a need to recognise these vulnerabilities at an early stage, including at the first contact with the criminal justice system, to assess these women and provide long-term support.”