When a woman is arrested, there are immediate and serious consequences for the well-being of her family and children. In our study “Women and prison in Distrito Federal: prison itinerary and precariousness of life,” we have identified that the domains of life precariousness are significantly worse for women with a history of socio-educational detention in adolescence than for those without criminal records. Moreover, we have identified that women who were formerly incarcerated are generally younger, poorer, have less education and are informal workers; they often have a history of surviving domestic violence, living in the streets, drug abuse and sexual exploitation. To consider criminal justice for women is to include them and their families in the protection of social rights and human dignity. Generating evidence to carry out public policies with gender awareness and sensitivity are urgent actions to protect rights.
