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Home > News > Complex Lives report is launched
Complex Lives 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 first-hand 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 marginalisation. Consequently, their lives are precarious, marked by trauma, and poor health.
Findings include:
Among the report’s recommendations, Brainkind stresses the need to:
We are incredibly grateful to all of the women who shared their stories as part of this report, and all 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 want to thank everyone for their input into this research and specifically want to recognise the significant contributions made by the women who have been willing to share their experiences with us. We are committed to making sure that these women are heard, and that the recommendations coming from their accounts are considered and implemented. We look forward to working with leads from across criminal justice, policing, health, and social services along with others with expert experience, to take forward the positive actions identified in this paper. Emma Wools, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and Senor Responsible Lead for the Women’s Justice Blueprint We are pleased to contribute to the growing body of evidence that suggests there are disproportionate rates of brain injury within the criminal justice system. It is crucial that we build on these insights to ensure women are receiving the right care at the right time, and that professionals are equipped to support them. Dr Annmarie Burns, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, Brainkind
We are incredibly grateful to all of the women who shared their stories as part of this report, and all 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 want to thank everyone for their input into this research and specifically want to recognise the significant contributions made by the women who have been willing to share their experiences with us. We are committed to making sure that these women are heard, and that the recommendations coming from their accounts are considered and implemented. We look forward to working with leads from across criminal justice, policing, health, and social services along with others with expert experience, to take forward the positive actions identified in this paper. Emma Wools, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and Senor Responsible Lead for the Women’s Justice Blueprint
We are pleased to contribute to the growing body of evidence that suggests there are disproportionate rates of brain injury within the criminal justice system. It is crucial that we build on these insights to ensure women are receiving the right care at the right time, and that professionals are equipped to support them. Dr Annmarie Burns, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, Brainkind
For media enquiries and spokespeople interviews, please contact: pressoffice@brainkind.org
Brainkind (formerly The Disabilities Trust) is the UK’s leading charity helping people thrive after a brain injury.
We provide innovative rehabilitation and ongoing support to ensure life after brain injury and with other neurological conditions can be a life well lived.
With over 40 years’ experience and expertise in brain injury and neurorehabilitation, we understand how a brain injury can challenge every aspect of life. At Brainkind, we are committed to providing personalised, compassionate treatment and care. Led by a team of clinical experts, our services include physical and cognitive rehabilitation, occupational therapy as well as educational and emotional support designed to empower an individual as well as their families.
Our services provide a range of treatment, support, and care for people with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. We support people with immediate rehabilitation following hospital treatment, helping them regain lost skills or to find new ways of compensating for lost abilities, as well as providing long term care.
With experts including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and more, our teams provide the care and treatment you need, helping the people we support to live more independently or to meet your goals, whatever they might be.
About the Women’s Justice Blueprint
The Women’s Justice (formally Female Offending) Blueprint (2019) which has been jointly commissioned by Welsh Government and the Ministry of Justice, with support and leadership from the Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales, is the core strategic plan for women in the CJS in Wales. It seeks to build on and accelerate the transformation of services for women through a system-wide focus.
This has included reducing the number of women entering the justice system in the first instance through a focus on effective early intervention and prevention strategies, whilst also strengthening pathways into support for women at all stages of their justice journeys.
