The number of female prisoners in Victoria has increased by 32% over the past two years.

The Department of Justice 2009-2010 annual report says that in 2009 the number of female prisoners in Victoria, at 313, was the highest since 1892.

Statements in the report suggest there are four main reasons:

  • an increase in drug-related offences;
  • a no-tolerance attitude by police to drug-related violence;
  • longer sentences: and
  • natural population growth.

In response to this trend, the state government is increasing the capacity of women’s prisons, and extending Better Pathways, a prevention and rehabilitation program.

The 2010 state budget allocated $80.6 million to increase prison capacity, and $26 million over four years to extend Better Pathways.

The percentage increase in female prisoners is significantly outstripping the increase in male prisoners, although it should be noted that they are coming off a much lower base.  Over the past two years, while the number of female prisoners went up 32% to 313, the number of male prisoners increased 6% to 4224.

In 2009, the increase in female prisoners was 11% and in male prisoners 3.8%.

The annual report also stated that for all prisoners, Victoria’s rate of recidivism — return to prison within two years — has fallen for seven consecutive years: from 42.5% in 2001-02 to 33.9% in 2008-09.

The report says that homelessness is a major risk factor for re-offending and Corrections Victoria has developed a supported housing program over the past 18 months to provide transitional accommodation and support for newly released prisoners.

The full report can be found here.