Women Partners of Prisoners

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we examine the effects of sentencing on the lives of women partners of prisoners. Whilst criminological theory has advanced in acknowledging issues surrounding women as offenders and as victims of crime, the effects of male imprisonment on the lives of wives and girlfriends remains little researched. The effects on partners' financial arrangements, existing poverty and relationships in the period following sentencing, when approaching the probation service for assistance, are presented. They are analysed in the context of the role stereotyping which ascribes guilt to wives and girlfriends for their partners' crimes; and in the light of the ‘criminalisation of social policy’ which ensures partners' needs will become even more marginalised.