Case 30: Addressing the over-imprisonment of Aboriginal women in prison

Photo by Tim Allen on iStock

Aboriginal women are the fastest growing prisoner group in Victoria and are significantly over-represented compared with non-Aboriginal women. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission undertook research on how to reduce the rate at which Aboriginal women were being imprisoned. Drawing on Charter rights including the right to equality, Aboriginal cultural rights and the protection of children, the Commission recommended changes including improved access to diversion, accommodation support to improve access to bail and culturally and gender appropriate programs in prison to promote rehabilitation.

Source: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Charter Report, 2013