Having a spouse in prison can be a challenging and emotional time. This page offers support and guidance for women coping with such a circumstance, providing resources just for you. Remember, it’s important to know your rights, responsibilities and the processes to follow. Being prepared helps to make the situation more manageable.
Staying Connected
It’s important for the well-being of both you and your spouse, that you try to maintain a strong connection. There are several ways to keep in touch with your spouse whilst they are in prison:
- Visiting in person: UK prisons offer visitation rights to spouses. It may be a good idea to create a schedule, ensuring you plan your visits according to the specific regulations of the prison.
- Writing letters: Penning down your thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic. Most prisons allow incoming mail, but there may be restrictions on the content.
- Telephone calls: Inmates have the right to make phone calls, however, the cost can be high. It’s worth checking if there are any schemes in place to support with this.
- Email a prisoner: A service available in the UK where you can send messages to your spouse via the internet.
Understanding the System
Knowing how the prison system works can provide a sense of control during this unsettling time. The basic framework of the UK’s prison system includes:
- Remand: When someone is held in prison until their trial.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge will decide the length of the prison term.
- Release: This could be on parole, probation, or at the end of the sentence. The release process can be complex and involve conditions.
Seeking Support
You don’t have to bear this alone. There are numerous support groups and organisations available for women in your situation. Here are a few:
- Partners of Prisoners (POPS): This charity provides the opportunity to speak to someone who understands your situation.
- Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT): Pact offers practical and emotional support to families with loved ones in prison.
- Offenders’ Families Helpline: This helpline provides information and support.
Financial Support
Dealing with a loss of income during this period can be a serious concern. There are certain financial aids available:
- Assisted Prison Visits: A government scheme to help cover the costs of visiting a prison.
- Spousal Maintenance: You may be entitled to financial support from your spouse, even if they are in prison.
- Legal Aid: Legal aid may be available if you can’t afford a solicitor.
In conclusion, it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed having a spouse in prison. Reach out for support, stay connected and understand the system to make things more manageable. You are not alone.
