IN-CJ Newsdesk 23 – Finish Perspective on Women in Prison and their Loved Ones
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Anastasia Lapintie and Sari Lönnberg, experts in women-specific work, will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the significance of mental well-being for women in prison and their loved ones. They are aiming to shed light on the statistical prevalence of mental health issues among incarcerated women, and the subsequent impact on behaviour, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The speakers are going to explore the critical role that relationships and support outside prison walls play in the mental well-being of incarcerated women. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the challenges faced by women in prison and their loved ones, and gain insights into effective support strategies.
Finnish Perspectives on Women in Prison and Their Loved Ones
What happens when we look at imprisonment not only through the lens of the individual but also through the experiences of families and loved ones? This was the focus of an IN-CJ Newsdesk 2023 session with Anastasia Lapintie and Sari Lönnbäri of the Finnish Foundation for Supporting Ex-Offenders, in conversation with Rob Watson and John Scott.
The discussion began by recognising that when a woman is imprisoned, the impact spreads far beyond the sentence itself. Family members, children, and partners all face stigma and emotional consequences. In Finland, support services have increasingly recognised this ripple effect, with NGOs taking a central role in helping families navigate the challenges of incarceration and re-entry.
A key theme was the gendered expectations placed on women, especially mothers. Both Lapintie and Lönnbäri stressed that women face stricter social judgement than men, with motherhood often being used as a measure of worth. The stigma extends to their families, who may carry the burden of secrecy and shame. As Lapintie observed, “shame does not rehabilitate.” Instead, approaches that build understanding, reduce stigma, and provide trauma-informed support are needed.
While progress has been made in Finland, such as staff training in women-specific and trauma-informed practice, implementation remains uneven. Some officers still resist adopting new approaches, preferring to treat men and women identically despite evidence that women’s needs are different. The challenge, according to Lönnbäri, is to create the right conditions for dialogue and for professionals to see the benefits of change—not only for prisoners but for staff themselves.
The conversation highlighted the importance of multi-agency cooperation in Finland. While prisons and probation services acknowledge they cannot work alone, NGOs often step in to provide services that the public sector does not. This model helps ensure that women and their families are supported both during imprisonment and after release, reducing the risk of reoffending and alleviating the pressures placed on families.
The session concluded with a call for international exchange. The challenges faced by women in prison—trauma, mental health issues, substance misuse, and societal stigma—are not unique to Finland. Learning from different approaches across jurisdictions can strengthen practice everywhere. Above all, the message was clear: supporting women in prison and their families benefits entire communities, and meaningful rehabilitation begins by recognising the wider social consequences of crime and punishment.
