Open Letter on Cornton Vale

by Kate and David

Dear First Minister,

We voted Yes in September because we wanted to live in a more progressive society. A progressive society, amongst other things, takes care of its most vulnerable members. The 2012 Angiolini report identified 80% of women in Cornton Vale women’s prison as having mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and/or partner abuse issues.

Despite the existence of some good models of practice such as the 218 service in Glasgow, the Willow project in Edinburgh and the Community Integration Unit at Aberdeen HMP, the “revolving door” that is our current women’s prison system offers them little chance of rejoining normal society.

As you have recently rightly identified, we have to create the conditions to support ALL the women of Scotland to make a meaningful contribution to our society.