Areas of work

Mental health and Criminal justice

Significant mental health issues are common among those who interact with the criminal justice system, and they can be made worse by incarceration, social isolation, and lack of access to quality mental health care.  People who have been associated with the system often have high rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and self-harm, and stigma and discrimination which make healing and reintegration into society even more difficult. Research and debate are ongoing to improve the justice system conditions.

Overuse in the criminal justice system 

The criminal justice system may be overused  when there is excessive criminalization, when prosecution is pursued, when there are more effective alternatives, or when jail sentences are imposed too frequently or severely. Such abuse can compromise human rights, efficiency, and fairness.  IPPF encourages the development of alternative solutions and keeping the criminal code as a last choice.

Women in prisons

Women make up a small but growing proportion of the global prison population and face distinct challenges which include higher rates of mental illness, histories of trauma, and greater stigma than men. Many women are incarcerated for offenses linked to poverty or survival, and are often primary caregivers, making their imprisonment particularly disruptive for families. Gender-responsive policies and support are crucial to address their specific needs and promote successful reintegration.

Prevention of offending

Effective prevention focuses on addressing unmet needs and vulnerabilities early, through supportive interventions such as family therapy, mentoring, and school-based programs, rather than punitive or deterrence-based approaches. Prevention aims to reduce the likelihood of offending by supporting at-risk individuals and families, with evidence showing that well-designed, evaluated programs can make a meaningful difference in reducing crime.