Women in Prison: Hope and Challenges in Frankfurt!

Women in Prison: Hope and Challenges in Frankfurt!

In Germany, around six percent of prisoners are women, and many of them are battling addictions or have had traumatic experiences. One place where these stories become visible is the Frankfurt III Correctional Facility, the largest women's prison in the country. All types of imprisonment are available here, from short prison sentences to life imprisonment. Correctional officer Reetz emphasizes that behind every criminal file there is an individual life story, which is often marked by strokes of fate, such as in the case of Lisa M., 33 years old, who is in prison for fraud and theft and has not been able to see her three daughters for years. Despite her difficult circumstances, Lisa is training in system catering in prison in order to gain perspective for the time after prison.

The example of Regine S., who was imprisoned for the second time at the age of 49, also shows how complex the realities of life for women in this prison are. Regine was a drug addict, but has now made it through withdrawal and is hoping for a second chance in life. In order to offer these women a new perspective, a team of around 170 employees, including social workers and psychologists, work closely with the prisoners. One of the social workers, Marjorie Schol, supports women who have committed serious violent crimes.

The mother-child home in the Frankfurt JVA

The mother-child home in the Frankfurt JVA brings some light into the dark world behind bars, where mothers can bring their small children with them to prison. This facility is one of ten in Germany that takes in mothers who have committed crimes with their children. Due to strict admission conditions - the mother's punishment must be paid before the child starts school and there must be no acute addiction problem - seven women with nine children currently live in the closed mother-child home. The children's group at the facility supports kids between six months and five years and offers a balanced range of care.

The mothers must adhere to the institution's rules and are also entitled to acquire training or qualifications during their imprisonment. Tanja R., who was sentenced to three years in prison for robbery, talks about her experiences: "I had financial pressure and was in a desperate situation when I was involved in the robbery. My brother assured me that I would not lose Anton, my son, which is why I returned from Spain to begin my sentence." Tanja is expected to be released next year when her son Anton is five years old.

High emotional stress

The discussion about whether it makes sense to send children to prison with their mothers is controversial both publicly and internally. But the existing care system is showing progress: the educators support mothers and children with health problems and help prepare them for integration into society after prison. It is a delicate balance between legal requirements and the individual reality of the detainees that highlights the challenges, fears and hopes of these women.

The documentary about JVA Frankfurt III sensitively illuminates the fates that remain hidden behind the bars. The challenges these women face are great, but through support and initiative there is always hope for a better future. The stories of women like Lisa, Regine and Tanja continue to be followed by the justice system and social workers to enable real understanding and change.

The reporting by ZDF and StadtLandKind suggests that despite all the difficulties and challenges, there can also be room for hope and development. Instead of just looking at the actions, this shows a person behind every prison sentence who deserves the chance for change.