Why we help

We currently support over 1,000 British nationals incarcerated in around 80 different countries. We make no moral judgement about our clients we help convicted and unconvicted, solely on the basis of need.

Whilst we firmly acknowledge that if an individual breaks the law they should be punished, we also believe that a prisoner should not face additional punishment whilst they are in prison whether this be as a result of language barriers, distance from home, or lack of local support.

For many ex-prisoners returning to the UK Prisoners Abroad is the only contact they have. Our Resettlement Service helps to secure them emergency food, accommodation and travel in the first few days of their return. These grants are the only available means by which many returning prisoners can keep themselves off the streets.

It is not just prisoners themselves who are affected by a prison sentence but also their families. We currently support over 1,000 family members and friends many of whom are often isolated, stigmatised and under enormous emotional and financial strain.

There is no other organisation which supports Britons in prison abroad and their relatives in this way.

Being in prison overseas

As well as being disadvantaged by language differences and by being hundreds of miles from family and friends, there are a number of unique issues that Britons imprisoned overseas and their families can face. These issues include:

Prison Conditions
Issues for women
Death penalty
Issues facing families

Prison Conditions

The conditions experienced by prisoners across the world vary from country to country. In many developing countries prisoners are expected to pay for the most basic requirements for survival such as bedding, food and occasionally even cell space. Prisoners are expected to rely on support from their families to pay for these items. However for Britons imprisoned who have no access to money and who are many miles from home such support may not be possible.

It is not just the physical conditions of prisons that are of concern, many prisoners report to us that their prison is run on a climate of fear and intimidation either from fellow prisoners or prison staff.

For further information on prison conditions in specific countries please refer to the Country Specific Information section of our website, or see where British prisoners are held by viewing our Statistics page.

Issues for women

Women represent around 6% of the UK prison population; around 14% of the prisoners we support are female, and over the last few years Prisoners Abroad has seen a huge increase in the number of female prisoners. In particular, around half of the prisoners we support in Jamiaca are female. Women, especially those imprisoned miles away from home, face a number of concerning issues.

As women are generally the primary carers within a family unit, their absence causes severe disruption to a child's life. As well as the trauma suffered by both mother and child during imprisonment it may take time for mothers to regain care of their children after their release from prison, particularly where they are unable to obtain secure housing.

In some countries such as Bolivia, children go to prison with their mothers, therefore the prison is overrun with children - the noise is unbearable and for those that are separated from their children, no doubt, painful.

In many prisons, provisions for the needs of pregnant women are poor. Where there are seriously inadequate medical facilities, poor medical attention may sometimes lead to sickness and miscarriage. Generally, women can buy sanitary towels and tampons but there are some prisons that do not provide these. Not every woman has access to a doctor/gynaecologist, especially not a female gynaecologist. Many women suffer from problems with menstruation due to a change in climate, malnutrition, ill health and stress etc but often do not have access to a gynaecologist who can advise them appropriately.

Death Penalty

From time to time Prisoners Abroad finds itself supporting prisoners who are facing the death penalty. Prisoners Abroad is totally opposed to the death penalty believing it to be the ultimate abuse of human rights.

Issues facing families

Like those imprisoned overseas, the issues facing their families and friends can be complex and bring unique hardships. The language barrier and distance can make what should be straightforward visits difficult, expensive and emotionally distressing. Many relatives of those in prison experience isolation as they try to keep their situation secret. However, those who have a relative in prison overseas may find that the media are interested in their case and find that they are under pressure to tell their story.

For a more detailed look at issues facing families please go to the Families section where there are details of information leaflets available.