Experts call for better conditions as women in Dutch prisons face unique challenges
The Netherlands faces a shortage of facilities for female prisoners, with women being placed in only three locations across the country. This limited access leads to many women being incarcerated far from their homes and support networks, making it more difficult to maintain relationships with family, friends, and children, and contributing to isolation, according to the Council for the Application of Criminal Law and Youth Protection.
In a report released on International Women’s Day, the council emphasized the negative impact that this lack of access to family and social connections can have on a woman's rehabilitation. Women in prison face greater challenges in reintegrating into society due to this social isolation, the council states.
Currently, Dutch prisons are predominantly designed for men. The council warns that this gender imbalance can cause inequality and additional harm to women incarcerated in these facilities. The situation can also have long-term effects after their release.
Every year, approximately 3,000 women are incarcerated for short or less severe sentences, accounting for about 6 percent of the overall prison population. However, there are only three designated prisons for women in the Netherlands: one in Zwolle, another in Nieuwersluis (Utrecht), and a third near Sevenum in Limburg.
The significant distances between these facilities and the women’s homes cause difficulties in maintaining relationships with their children and families, leading to increased loneliness and putting their successful reintegration into society at risk. The council notes that many women lack visits and support from their social networks while incarcerated.
Gender-specific challenges
The report stresses that women face unique challenges during incarceration. Many have to cope with the distress of leaving their children in the care of others. The emotional toll of this separation reportedly makes imprisonment even more difficult for women. To address this, the council recommends creating dedicated mother wings within prisons, offering periodic overnight stays for families at designated facilities, and implementing special programs for mothers and children to foster connections.
The council points out that similar opportunities are available for fathers in detention, such as father-child "autumn camps" where fathers can spend time with their children. Additionally, there are three father wings in various institutions in the Netherlands.
The council’s recommendations also focus on the conditions within the prisons themselves. While current facilities place a significant emphasis on security, women often do not require the same level of security as men. Furthermore, women in prison are more likely than men to experience complex psychological issues and are more frequently victims of violence or abuse. The council urges that these factors be reflected in the care and services offered in women's prisons.
Practical suggestions also include aligning the products available in prison shops with the specific needs of women. The council also advocates for providing adequate toilet stops during long transport journeys, noting that current emergency provisions are often inadequate for women. "Meeting gender-specific needs in practical provisions should be the standard, not a privilege," the council concludes.
