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Home / Complex Lives
Understanding the prevalence of traumatic brain injury in prison populations
Complex Lives, is the first study to explore the prevalence of brain injury in women in contact with the criminal justice system (CJS) in Wales.
This is the first study exploring the prevalence of brain injury in women in contact with the criminal justice system (CJS) in Wales. The data gathered indicates that this cohort of women has faced significant social disadvantages and exclusion, often starting from a young age.
The women contend with complex health needs, frequently reporting histories of domestic abuse, substance misuse, and mental and physical health issues. In addition, many of these women have had their children removed by social services, or have firsthand experience with the care system from their own childhood. This is underpinned by a high percentage of women reporting a history indicative of brain injury.
These intersecting factors illustrate an exceptionally vulnerable group of women who have encountered extreme structural marginalisation. Consequently, their lives are precarious, marked by trauma, and poor health.
We are incredibly grateful to all of the women who shared their stories as part of this report, and all of the professionals who took the time to do the same. We hope the work will help to draw attention to the lives and experiences of some of the most marginalised women in society, and in doing so, help us to build a system that will provide better outcomes for all.Davina Jones, Head of Policy Influencing and Social Change, Brainkind
We are incredibly grateful to all of the women who shared their stories as part of this report, and all of the professionals who took the time to do the same. We hope the work will help to draw attention to the lives and experiences of some of the most marginalised women in society, and in doing so, help us to build a system that will provide better outcomes for all.
Davina Jones, Head of Policy Influencing and Social Change, Brainkind
Our key findings in the report include:
of participants screening positive for a history indicative of brain injury
had experienced a serious blow to the head
reported being held in a way they could not breathe
of women self-reported 2 or more mental health conditions
We interviewed 70 women accessing community, prison and probation services in the CJS in Wales. We also conducted a survey with 72 frontline workers from a range of professional backgrounds currently working in the CJS in Wales, and 19 professionals took part in semi-structured interviews.
Participation in the research was voluntary, and the participants had to be over age of 18 with capacity to consent.
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