International Perspectives on Mothering and Imprisonment

PROTOCOL: Domestic abuse interventions for mothers in or exiting prison: An evidence and gap map

“…However, significant variations in terms of ethnicity are identified with Sullivan et al (Sullivan et al, 2019) identifying that more than 80% of Aboriginal women in prison in Australia are mothers. Codd (2020) also notes that the numbers of children experiencing the imprisonment of a mother varies, reflecting the average birth rate per mother in each country.…”

“…Estimates of women in prison who are mothers are mostly high (Prison Reform Trust, 2017) although international comparisons are difficult owing to the differences in and limited reporting mechanisms and variations in definitions of ‘mother’ and who constitutes a ‘child’ (Codd, 2020). For example, in Finland, Enroos (2011) identifies a lack of systematic information with the parenting status unrecorded for 73% of prisoners.…”

“…For example, in Finland, Enroos (2011) identifies a lack of systematic information with the parenting status unrecorded for 73% of prisoners. Equally, Codd (2020) notes that mothers may be unwilling to disclose that they have children owing to concerns as to the outcomes, including child protection intervention. Therefore, much of the available data is based on estimates.…”

“…Research shows that the female prison population is increasing (World Prison Brief, 2017). A significant proportion has current or historic trauma and experiences DVA and a similar proportion are mothers to dependent children (Codd, 2020; McCauley et al, 2020). Research also shows us that DVA and prison disrupt mothering and the mother‐child relationship (Lockwood, 2017).…”