P: ISSN No. 2394-0344 RNI No.  UPBIL/2016/67980 VOL.- IX , ISSUE- II May  - 2024
E: ISSN No. 2455-0817 Remarking An Analisation

Mental Health of Female Inmates in India: A Review
Paper Id :  18896   Submission Date :  12/05/2024   Acceptance Date :  17/05/2024   Publication Date :  20/05/2024
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DOI:10.5281/zenodo.11214108
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Aashima Kajla
Research Scholar
Centre For Social Work
Panjab University
Chandigarh,India
Abstract

Female inmates are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to various factors including violence, neglect, discrimination, and abuse. Despite the growing recognition of these issues, there is a lack of attention to the socio-psychological and mental health concerns of female inmates, leading to their special needs being ignored. The present paper examines existing research studies and data from sources such as the National Crime Records Bureau and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative to understand the factors and consequences related to the mental health of female inmates in India. Findings indicate a significant lack of specialized mental health support within prisons, contributing to the prevalence of distress, depression, and substance abuse among female inmates. Recommendations are made for stakeholders including the police, prisons, legal system, healthcare system, and civil society to prioritize the mental health and well-being of female inmates through initiatives such as regular health checkups, peer support groups, and counseling services.
Keywords Mental Health, Female Inmates, Vulnerability, Challenges.
Introduction

The mental health of inmates, especially female inmates, represents a critical yet frequently overlooked concern in India's criminal justice system. Female inmates encounter a distinct set of challenges within the prison milieu, characterized by pervasive violence, neglect, and discrimination. These adversities can significantly exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or engender new ones among incarcerated females. Despite a growing acknowledgment of these challenges, there persists a concerning lack of attention to the socio-psychological and mental health needs of female inmates. Their unique vulnerabilities and requirements often go unrecognized, contributing to a systemic neglect of their well-being within correctional facilities.

The present paper endeavors to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and research studies pertaining to the mental health of female inmates in India. By analyzing available data from sources such as the National Crime Records Bureau and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, this review seeks to elucidate the multifaceted factors influencing the mental health of incarcerated female in the country. Furthermore, it aims to delineate the wide-ranging consequences of untreated mental health conditions within the prison context, including implications for rehabilitation, recidivism, and societal reintegration.

The urgent need for enhanced attention and intervention strategies designed according to the mental health needs of female inmates in India have been highlighted. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues and advocating for targeted initiatives, stakeholders across the criminal justice system, healthcare sector, and civil society can collectively strive to mitigate the adverse mental health outcomes experienced by incarcerated female. Ultimately, prioritizing the mental well-being of female inmates is imperative not only for their individual health and dignity but also for fostering a more just and humane prison environment.
Aim of study

The following objectives have been formulated:

1. To examine the existing literature on the mental health of female inmates in India.

2. To identify the common mental health issues faced by female inmates in Indian jails.

3. To propose recommendations for improving mental health support and interventions for female inmates in India.
Review of Literature

Several research studies have been conducted to assess the mental health of female inmates in India:

1. Chatterjee, D., Chatterjee, S.C. and Bhattacharyya, T. (2020) conducted a study “Exploring self-care abilities among women in prisons of West Bengal”. This particular study was conducted in prisons of West Bengal, especially focusing on women inmates. The findings revealed that a majority of women quoted that the inability to self-care was due to factors such as constricted architecture, specific penal policies, etc. However, it was also found that coping mechanisms also existed among some women who actively constituted penal spaces for self-care.

2. Garg, M. and Singla, N. (2012) conducted a study “Rights of women prisoners in India: An evaluation”. This study revealed that separate women prisons are essential to keep the women inmates. The number of women prisons is not sufficient in India and it should be increased. Women prisoners have special requirements which should be necessarily fulfilled. The number of undertrial prisoners should be reduced to the maximum extent to reduce the burden over jails. Prisons should be converted into correctional homes. It is essential for the women prisoners for their reformation and rehabilitation.

3. Kumar, S.D., Kumar, S.A., Pattankar, J.V., Reddy, S.B. and Dhar, M. (2013) conducted a study “Health status of the prisoners in a central jail of South India”. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the health status of convicted prisoners of prison and to study their sociodemographic profile. In health status, 9.6% prisoners suffered from acute upper respiratory tract infections and 5% from acute lower respiratory tract infections. A total of 18% prisoners had ascariasis. Diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue contributed to 8.7% of prisoners. A total of 84% prisoners had anaemia. In sociodemographic profile, it was found that rural people, unmarried, illiterates, lower socioeconomic status people were more likely to have committed the crime resulting in the conviction for life.

4. Majumdar, S. and Acharya, A. (2016) conducted a study “Mental health problem among prison population, Udaipur, Tripura”. In this study, it was seen that the convicted prisoners’ age ranges from 19 to above 50 years where maximum numbers (50%) of the sample belongs to the age group of 26 to 40 years. 50% of the convicts were murderers where as 26.7% was convicted due to rape. It revealed that most of them had guilt feelings due to their committed crime. Some of them were not happy with the judgment and requested the researcher of the present study to re-open their case if possible. Some of the prisoners were worried about their family members and there were also some who were worried whether their family members would accept them after their release from jail as previous manner. Under trial inmates were anxious about their final judgment.

5. Shankardass, M.K. (2018) conducted a study “Mental health issues in India: concerns and responses”. This article has highlighted mental health issues in India. It suggested that a National Commission on Mental Health comprising professionals from mental health, public health, social sciences, the judiciary and related backgrounds should be constituted to oversee, support, facilitate, monitor and review mental health policies. While suggestions such as these can bring about an appropriate national response to address mental health concerns in the country and make provisions for facilities and services to deal with problems, we need a better societal response to stop the stigma and discrimination of a person labelled as mentally ill.

6. Sinha, S. (2010) conducted a study “Adjustment and mental health problem in prisoners”. This study draws attention to several aspects of the quality of health services from the view of the prisoners as patients. The results suggest that the prisoners’ mental health and adjustment problems should be properly addressed and special attention should be paid so that the inmates are adequately prepared for resettlement in the society because a great majority of inmates will at some point return to the community and the causes of reoffending can be minimized.
Methodology

This review is based on secondary sources, including research studies, reports, and data from organizations such as the National Crime Records Bureau and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. Relevant literature on the mental health of female prisoners in India was accessed through databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. 
Findings

The following findings highlight the situation of mental health of female inmates:

 Lack of Specialized Mental Health Support:

i. The studies highlight a pervasive deficiency in specialized mental health services within Indian prisons, particularly concerning female inmates.

ii. Despite the recognition of the importance of mental health, resources allocated to addressing mental health issues remain significantly limited.

iii. The absence of specialized psychiatrists within prisons is particularly noteworthy, as these professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating common mental health disorders among inmates.

Limited Resources for Mental Health Services:

i. While physical health concerns receive some attention within prison systems, mental health services are often overlooked or underfunded.

ii. This disparity in resource allocation exacerbates the challenges faced by female inmates in accessing timely and effective mental health care.

Absence of Specialized Treatment for Common Mental Health Disorders:

i. Common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are inadequately addressed due to the lack of specialized psychiatric support within prisons.

ii. Without access to appropriate treatment and therapy, female inmates are at heightened risk of experiencing prolonged distress and worsening mental health conditions.

Impact of the Restrictive Prison Environment:

i. The restrictive nature of the prison environment, characterized by limited autonomy and social isolation, contributes significantly to the mental distress experienced by female inmates.

ii. Lack of meaningful social contact, coupled with separation from families and support networks, exacerbates feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among incarcerated female.

Need for Comprehensive Mental Health Interventions:

i. Addressing the mental health needs of female inmates necessitates a holistic approach that goes beyond mere acknowledgment of the issue.

ii. Comprehensive interventions, including regular mental health checkups, establishment of peer support groups, and provision of counseling services, are imperative to promote the mental well-being of female inmates.

iii. These interventions should be designed as such to address the unique experiences and challenges faced by female inmates, taking into account their specific socio-cultural backgrounds and histories of trauma.
Conclusion

Female inmates in India encounter a myriad of mental health challenges, which are further compounded by the restrictive and often unsupportive prison environment. The absence of specialized mental health services exacerbates these difficulties, leaving many female inmates without adequate support. Addressing these complex issues necessitates a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including law enforcement, correctional facilities, the judiciary, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and other relevant parties. Implementing initiatives such as regular mental health checkups, establishing peer support groups, and providing counseling services are crucial steps towards promoting the rehabilitation and reformation of female inmates. By fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to mental healthcare within the prison system, stakeholders can work together to address the underlying causes of mental distress and support the well-being of incarcerated female as they reintegrate into society.
Suggestions for the future Study Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Increase the availability of specialized mental health services within Indian prisons, including the recruitment of psychiatrists and counselors.
2. Implement regular health checkups and screening programs to identify and address mental health issues among female inmates.
3. Establish peer support groups and counseling services within prisons to provide emotional support and guidance to female inmates.
4. Train prison staff and healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to mental health concerns among inmates effectively.
5. Collaborate with civil society organizations and mental health experts to develop and implement evidence-based interventions for promoting the mental well-being of female inmates.
References

1. Chatterjee, D., Chatterjee, S.C. and Bhattacharyya, T. (2020), Exploring self-care abilities among women in prisons of West Bengal, International Journal of Inmate Health, 16(2), 185-198.

2. Garg, M. and, N. (2012). Rights of Women Prisoners in India: An Evaluation, International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 1(2), 134-52.

3. Kumar, S.D., Kumar, S.A., Pattankar, J.V., Reddy, S.B., Dhar, M. (2013), Health status of the prisoners in a central jail of south India, Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 35(4), 373-377.

4. Majumdar, S. and Acharya, A. (2016), Mental health problem among prison population, Udaipur, Tripura, Indian Journal of Applied Research, 6(4), 297-300.

5. Prison Statistics India Report, 2022.

6. Shankardass, M.K. (2018), Mental health issues in India: concerns and responses, Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 15(1), 58-60.

7. Sinha, S. (2010), Adjustment and mental health problem in prisoners, Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 19(2), 101-104.