Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for  Administrative Bodies

Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for Administrative Bodies

Investigating the Issues and Problems of Women in the Criminal Proceedings and Imprisonment Process

Author
Department of Educational Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University
Abstract
Women in the criminal proceedings and imprisonment process face a complex set of multilayered challenges related to both in-prison conditions and broader socio-cultural and psychological contexts. Key issues include a lack of adequate space and sanitary facilities, difficulties in accessing physical health services and hygiene products, and exposure to physical and sexual violence. Psychologically, depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and prior trauma are major factors exacerbating the vulnerability of female inmates. From a socio-economic perspective, the severing of family and social support networks, diminished employment and income opportunities, and severe barriers to re-entering the labor market post-release disrupt the resocialization path. Familial dimensions—such as separation from children, limited visitation, and the inability to fulfill maternal roles—leave profound impacts on women's mental health and children's emotional development. Furthermore, the scarcity of educational, vocational, social work, and therapeutic programs, alongside persistent social stigma and gender discrimination, increases the likelihood of recidivism. Proposed strategies emphasize revising laws and enforcement methods to suit women's conditions, increasing budgets for women's prisons, spatial and offense-based segregation of inmates, developing post-release reintegration protocols, providing free psychological and health services, offering post-release economic support, and strengthening civil society organizations and cultural programs to foster social acceptance of women with criminal records.
Keywords