Intimate relationships between female prisoners: Fact or fiction?

Abstract

This paper explores the prevalence of intimate same-sex relationships between female offenders in custody. In the female prison estate, this phenomenon is often discussed but has rarely been studied. The prevalence of relationships between female offenders in custody in the UK is generally unknown and this paper seeks to develop the evidence-base in this under-researched area. In this study, female prisoners (N=92) completed a questionnaire exploring their relationship status; gender of partner; prison relationships; length of current relationship; number of previous relationships and previous relationships with prisoners. Results indicated that of those currently in a relationship, 27 per cent were in a relationship with another female prisoner and eight per cent were in a relationship with a female in the community. Some of the implications of relationships between female offenders are examined including complex risk management issues, duty of care, as well as the function of these relationships.