NCJ Number
70373
Date Published
1980
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Conditions for women in Mexican prisons are assessed, and reforms are suggested.
Abstract
Although varying degrees of correctional reform for male offenders have occured in Mexico, beneficial changes for female offenders have not kept pace. Not a single prison exclusively for women has been built; only women's annexes exist. Greater attention has always been given to the selection and training of prison personnel for male prisoners. Also, women have to use installations designed for male inmates both for their study periods and for other programs. Organizations to assist released inmates exist for women as well as men; however, the possibilities for assistance for women, particularly regarding employment, are fewer. The Mexican correctional system should undertake to apply legal reforms equally to women as well as male offenders. Also, institutions for women should be constructed completely separate from male facilities. Minimum, medium, and maximum security, along with open institutions should be established for women in accordance with new humanitarian and technical guidelines. There should be special selection and training of all personnel responsible for women's prisons. A public education campaign should be undertaken to encourage equal rights for women in Mexican culture, particularly in occupations. This campaign should be accompanied by efforts to secure equality of employment opportunity for released women offenders. For related documents, see NCJ-70361-72 and 70374-77.