Songs Inside

– Women are the fastest growing group of prisoners: there are 4 times more women in prison today compared to 1994.
– 35% of them are First Nations women, despite being only 3% of the population.
– Incarcerated women often have histories of poverty, domestic violence and childhood trauma. Most struggle with mental illness and substance abuse.
– Almost 40% of women in prisons are on remand, which means they are in custody awaiting sentencing.
– Half of all women prisoners have been in prison at least once before.
– Keeping women in prison costs more than $300,000 per prisoner each year; the total cost for the correctional system is $5.4 billion per year.

SONGS INSIDE is the centrepiece of a bold social impact campaign to challenge attitudes and advocate for changes in Australia’s justice system. Our goals are to:
1. Give people a better understanding of incarcerated women by showing them the devastating effects of poverty, addiction, violence and trauma
2. Show women in contact with the criminal justice system a more positive narrative about themselves and their future opportunities
3. Help deter young people from becoming trapped in the criminal justice system by highlighting the reality and consequences of incarceration
4. Push for sustainable programs that assist women’s transition from prison back to community, including music programs
5. Support changes to reduce the number of women in prison on remand and to give them equal access to rehabilitation services

– Women in prison are humanised; more people are aware of their situations and have empathy
– incarcerated (and formerly incarcerated) women have a more positive view of themselves and their future possibilities
– Youth at risk are aware of how they can become trapped in the criminal justice system
– Governments increase support programs and services tailored for women and improve processes around remand and bail
– More women are diverted from prison into community sentencing and other prison alternatives
– Keeping women out of prison preserves connections with families and community
– Work providers see the benefits of providing training and employment for women post-prison
– More music practitioners pursue community change projects, and people in the criminal justice system see the benefits of engaging in music and the arts

We have been working with influential partners and key communities, including the SA Department for Correctional Services, Offender and Rehabilitation Services SA, Drug and Alcoholic Services SA, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Country Arts SA, individuals and NGOs who provide support and services to women in prison and after release, and members of the music, legal, social services and academic communities.

PUSH FOR REFORM: Get on board the campaigns that are working to change discriminatory systems and promote alternative solutions
MUSIC FOR CHANGE: Help establish music programs in prisons and vulnerable communities
HOST A SCREENING: Gather your friends and colleagues for an in-person or virtual cinema screening and spark discussion about the incarceration of women
CREATE EMPLOYMENT: Train and employ women with lived prison experience in your business or organisation