Violence in women’s prisons in England and Wales has reached levels that can no longer be ignored. For years, it was treated as a side issue, overshadowed by concerns about overcrowding, staff shortages, and reoffending rates. Yet the evidence shows a crisis escalating inside the women’s estate, marked by rising assaults, intimidation, and self-harm. Without meaningful change, the system risks becoming more dangerous and more damaging for the very people it is supposed to rehabilitate.
The Scale of Violence in Women’s Prisons
The growth of violence in women’s prisons is striking. Over the last decade, the number of recorded incidents has increased both in absolute numbers and relative to the prison population.
Assaults between prisoners are more frequent. Violence against staff has risen at an alarming pace. Threats and intimidation have become part of daily life.
Recent data from the House of Commons shows the assault rate has been higher in women’s prisons than
in men’s, with the gap widening between the two. Some prisons, such as HMP Bronzefield and HMP Eastwood Park, now report surging levels of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, fuelling warnings that conditions are increasingly volatile.
The rise in violence in women’s prisons is not simply a matter of numbers. Many women behind bars are themselves survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Around two-thirds have experienced abuse, and more than half report histories of sexual assault. Placing them in unsafe, threatening environments compounds trauma and undermines rehabilitation.
Why Violence Is Rising
Several factors explain why violence in women’s prisons continues to grow.
Complex Needs Among the Prison Population
Women in custody often face overlapping challenges: poor mental health, substance misuse, poverty, homelessness, and histories of abuse. Many are serving sentences for non-violent offences linked to those vulnerabilities. Without consistent support, frustration and emotional strain can quickly escalate into conflict.
Overcrowding and Staffing Shortages
Despite being smaller than the men’s estate, women’s prisons struggle with overcrowding. Cuts to officer numbers have worsened the problem, leaving staff stretched thin. With fewer officers on the wings, incidents take longer to control and opportunities for violence increase.
The Cycle of Trauma
Prison itself can be traumatic. Separation from children, loss of privacy, strip searches, and the ever-present risk of violence exacerbate existing mental health issues. This often results in aggression and self-destructive behaviour. Without trauma-informed approaches, violence in women’s prisons is likely to continue rising.
Inadequate Gender-Specific Interventions
Most violence reduction policies were designed for the male estate. Women’s experiences, both as victims and perpetrators, differ significantly. Applying a one-size-fits-all approach often makes things worse. Instead of addressing root causes, prisons rely heavily on punishment such as segregation or loss of privileges, which rarely resolves underlying problems.
The Human and Social Costs
The consequences of violence in women’s prisons extend far beyond the prison walls.
For prisoners, constant fear and the risk of assault or intimidation deepen trauma and contribute to higher rates of self-harm and suicide attempts. For staff, rising assaults and threats lead to stress, burnout, and high turnover. This further undermines safety and reduces trust between staff and prisoners.
For society, unsafe prisons fail to support rehabilitation. Women are more likely to leave custody damaged, angry, and ill-prepared to rebuild their lives, fuelling cycles of reoffending.
The financial costs are also significant. Managing violent incidents, covering staff sickness, and dealing with the fallout of repeated crises drain public resources that could be invested in prevention and support.
What Needs to Change
Tackling violence in women’s prisons requires a shift in approach. Incremental measures are not enough. Systemic change is needed.
Trauma-Informed Care
Prisons must be restructured around an understanding of trauma. Staff training, embedded psychological support, and safer environments are essential. Dignity and recovery should be prioritised over punishment.
Reducing the Prison Population
Many women currently in custody would be better served by community-based alternatives. Women’s centres, probation-led support, and mental health services can address the root causes of offending more effectively than prison. Reducing numbers would ease overcrowding and allow prisons to focus on those who truly need custodial sentences.
Staffing and Training
Improving staff ratios is vital. Officers also need specific training to de-escalate conflict, manage trauma-related behaviours, and build positive relationships. Skilled and confident staff are the foundation of safer prisons.
Gender-Specific Policies
Strategies for violence reduction must reflect the realities of the women’s estate. Interventions should be designed with women’s experiences in mind, emphasising trust, communication, and rehabilitation. Policies borrowed from the male estate are unlikely to succeed.
A Crisis That Demands Attention
The growth of violence in women’s prisons is not inevitable. It stems from policy choices, structural failings, and a lack of investment in alternatives. Left unchecked, it will continue to damage women, staff, and communities, perpetuating harm at great human and financial cost.
Reform is possible. By recognising the unique needs of women in custody, investing in trauma-informed care, and reducing reliance on imprisonment, the system can begin to break the cycle of violence.
Women’s prisons must no longer be treated as a footnote in the criminal justice debate. The rising violence inside them is a national crisis, and addressing it is essential if prisons are to support rehabilitation rather than deepen harm.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been affected by violence in women’s prisons, our team can provide advice, support, and representation. We understand how the system works and the challenges that women face inside custody. Contact us today to discuss your situation in confidence and find out how we can help protect rights, improve safety, and push for meaningful change.
