Gender- and trauma-sensitive work with women in detention. (GEN-PRIS)

Research shows that female prisoners in Belgian prisons (5% of the total prison population) are more likely to experience psychological problems related to previous trauma.In addition, it has been established that a stay in prison can lead to trauma.From the field came the concrete demand for training on trauma-sensitive coping with female prisoners. The central research question is: How do we ensure a trauma-informed and gender-specific approach to female prisoners? The researchers want to gain insight into (1) the impact of drastic events on female detainees and how this is dealt with in detention, (2) the knowledge and frame of reference of officials and social workers in dealing with the trauma of female detainees and (3) the needs and requirements of female detainees in terms of support and of officials and social workers in terms of a trauma-informed and gender-specific approach to dealing with women in detention. After a literature study, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with female detainees, officials and social workers in Hasselt prison. Based on the results, a training in trauma-informed and gender-sensitive support of female detainees will be developed.

Keywords:gender sensitive care

Disciplines:Sexology

Project type:Collaboration project