Introduction
Solitary confinement is purportedly employed as a means to mitigate violence within jail populations and has seen increased utilization due to rising incarceration rates. Within most jails, inmates placed in solitary confinement typically fall into one of three distinct categories: disciplinary segregation, voluntary administrative segregation, and involuntary administrative segregation.

Solitary confinement is harmful to all prisoners, regardless of gender or age. Women prisoners, including transgender women, can be especially vulnerable to its negative effects. These harms are not justifiable. Solitary confinement not only has a devastating impact on women but also affects their children and can hinder their rehabilitation and ability to reintegrate into society as productive members. Prisons, correctional homes and jails should stop using unnecessary and harmful solitary confinement for women.

Disciplinary segregation serves as a punitive measure, while administrative segregation is a precautionary step intended to safeguard either the isolated inmate or the general inmate population. While the use of segregation as a disciplinary action or a preventative measure for the protection of fellow inmates is ostensibly reserved for offenders who have committed violent infractions while incarcerated, women, in particular, often find themselves subjected to solitary confinement for relatively minor transgressions, such as minor acts of defiance or verbal confrontations with prison staff. Moreover, it is frequently employed against female inmates who report incidents of sexual assault involving prison guards or other inmates.

Once placed in solitary confinement, women often experience heightened levels of scrutiny and endure more severe disciplinary measures compared to their male counterparts.

Disciplinary Segregation

When a woman prisoner commits a serious rule violation, they might be placed in solitary confinement as a punishment. In this form of confinement, called disciplinary segregation, inmates don't have the same privileges as those in administrative segregation, but their time in isolation is usually shorter. According to a magazine created by inmates in a California prison, this practice seems to follow a "guilty until proven innocent" approach, where prisoners can be put in solitary even before it's clear if they actually broke the rules.

Sometimes, inmates who are seen as politically troublesome are also isolated. Although the United States doesn't officially acknowledge having political prisoners, some inmates end up in solitary confinement because of their political activities. This often leads to a situation where minorities are more likely to be placed in solitary confinement.

Administrative Segregation

Administrative segregation, often referred to as "ad seg," is more common than disciplinary segregation, and it serves primarily to protect either the inmate placed in solitary confinement or others in the prison. Inmates may be placed in administrative segregation if they are deemed a danger to others or if their safety is at risk, or if they could potentially interfere with an ongoing investigation.

In many cases, women who express feeling threatened by someone else may be placed in solitary confinement, and likewise, if they are accused of displaying threatening behavior, they may be isolated without an opportunity to defend themselves. Women placed in administrative segregation are typically those who have encountered difficulties adapting to prison life and are considered "high-risk" and "high-needs" upon entering the facility. Unlike disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation is not intended as a form of punishment, and inmates in ad seg are legally required to be treated similarly to those in the general prison population.

Voluntary Segregation

In some cases, women prisoners ask to be placed in solitary confinement, mainly to protect themselves. They may do this to avoid facing additional challenges to their sense of self that can result from their interactions and experiences in prison. Studies have shown that women who voluntarily go into administrative segregation often have significant personal or emotional needs. Some of them have also dealt with substance abuse issues, although most do not have problems with "community functioning."

Involuntary Segregation

Women prisoners who are seen as a threat to other inmates are occasionally placed in administrative segregation. Similarly, a prisoner can be placed in segregation if authorities believe she is at risk and needs protection. These women, like those who choose to go into segregation voluntarily, often have significant personal and emotional needs. However, many of them also struggle with functioning in the general prison community or interacting with others.

Solitary Confinement of Women Prisoners in Jails of West Bengal

Women prisoners in West Bengal are kept in segregation on the following grounds:

1. If she has any contagious disease.
2. If her statement is to be recorded by court under section 164 CrPC for making a confessional statement or for any other purpose.
3. Before the day of delivery of judgment by court after her conviction.
4. If she is a condemned to death prisoner.
5. If there is a court order for keeping her separately.
6. If she requests for her separate accommodation for her studies or any other purpose.
7. If she is a high-risk prisoner.
8. If she assaults any other prisoner or is in the habit of quarrelling with other prisoners.
9. For protecting her from the assault of other prisoners.
10. For undisciplined conduct.
11. For making allegations against the prison authorities in a few cases.
12. For allegedly picking up a fight with the prisoner close to the authorities in some cases.
13. If she is an AIDS patient.

Number of Women Prisoners with Children Admitted during the year 2021 in different Jails of West Bengal

No. of Convict Women Prisoners with Children	No. of Children with Convict Women Prisoners	No. of Undertrial Women Prisoners with Children	No. of Children with Undertrial Women Prisoners	No. of Other Women Prisoners with Children	No. of Children with Other category Women Prisoners	Total No. of Women Prisoners with Children	Total No. of Children with Women Prisoners
42	53	472	493	156	167	670	713

In the year 2021, West Bengal's correctional homes (Jails/Prisons are called Correctional Homes in West Bengal) witnessed the admission of a total of 670 women prisoners who were accompanied by their children. These women were categorized into three distinct groups: convict women prisoners, undertrial women prisoners, and women classified under other categories. In other categories are included women whose release order has been given by the court, but are staying in jail due to delay in the process of their deportation/repatriation.

They are mainly Bangladeshi or any other foreign national. Among convict women prisoners, there were 42 individuals with 53 children, highlighting the unique challenges faced by incarcerated mothers. Additionally, undertrial women prisoners numbered 472, and they were accompanied by 493 children, underscoring the complex dynamics of family separation and its impact on these young lives.

Among other category women prisoners, 156 were admitted with 167 children, shedding light on the diverse circumstances that can lead women into the criminal justice system. This data emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems for incarcerated mothers and their children, addressing their distinct needs and circumstances within the prison environment.

The total count of 670 women prisoners with children admitted during the year 2021 in various West Bengal jails underscores the importance of policies and programs aimed at addressing the welfare and rehabilitation of this vulnerable population. Additionally, the total number of children accompanying these women prisoners amounted to 713, indicating the scale of the challenge in terms of providing appropriate care, education, and emotional support to these young dependents while their mothers serve their sentences.

This data serves as a reminder of the multifaceted issues surrounding women prisoners with children and highlights the importance of a holistic approach in the criminal justice system that considers not only the rehabilitation of women offenders but also the well-being and future prospects of their children, with the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of incarceration within families.

Number of Women Prisoners during the year 2021 in different Jails of West Bengal

Type of Prison	Number of Women Prisoners
Central Jails	757
District Jails	342
Special Jails	47
Subsidiary Jails	104
Women's Jails	280
Open Jails	0
Borstal Schools	0
Other Jails	0
Total	1530

In the year 2021, the state of West Bengal witnessed a total of 1,530 women prisoners across various types of correctional facilities. These women were incarcerated in different types of jails, each serving its specific purpose within the criminal justice system. Among these, Central Jails held the largest number of women prisoners, totaling 757 individuals. District Jails followed with 342 women prisoners, indicating the presence of female inmates across various regions of the state.

Additionally, Special Jails housed 47 women prisoners, Subsidiary Jails held 104, Women's Jails were home to 280 women prisoners, while Open Jails, Borstal Schools, and Other Jails reported no female inmates. This comprehensive data offers insight into the distribution of women prisoners across different types of correctional facilities in West Bengal and underscores the importance of tailoring rehabilitation and support programs to meet the specific needs of these individuals based on their incarceration settings.

The total count of 1,530 women prisoners in West Bengal during the year 2021 highlights the complex challenges faced by the criminal justice system in managing the female inmate population. It emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and interventions that address the unique needs and circumstances of women behind bars.

Whether in Central Jails, District Jails, Special Jails, Subsidiary Jails, or Women's Jails, it is essential to ensure the provision of adequate healthcare, education, vocational training, and mental health support to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration into society upon release. Additionally, the absence of women in Open Jails, Borstal Schools, and Other Jails suggests a potential area for further exploration and development of gender-responsive alternatives to traditional incarceration for female offenders in the future.

Solitary Confinement of Female Transgender Prisoners in Jails

Solitary confinement of female transgender prisoners in jails raises significant ethical and human rights concerns. Transgender women who are subjected to solitary confinement are particularly vulnerable to adverse psychological and emotional effects. Solitary confinement typically involves isolating an individual in a small cell for up to 23 hours a day, often for extended periods.

For transgender prisoners, this isolation can be especially distressing as it exacerbates the discrimination and isolation, they already face due to their gender identity. Being placed in solitary confinement based on one's transgender status rather than behavior can be seen as a form of discrimination and a violation of their right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Moreover, the detrimental mental health consequences of solitary confinement can be severe. Transgender prisoners may already experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts due to the unique challenges they face in correctional settings. Solitary confinement compounds these challenges, potentially leading to a deterioration in their mental health.

As such, it is crucial for correctional systems to adopt policies and practices that respect transgender individuals' gender identity, ensure their safety without resorting to isolation, and provide adequate mental health support. This approach not only aligns with human rights principles but also promotes the well-being and rehabilitation of all prisoners, including transgender women.

Transgender individuals represent a tiny fraction of the prison population in West Bengal. In the month of July 2023, out of a total prisoner population of 27,490 across the correctional facilities in the state, just 19 individuals identified as transgender. Among these, Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home housed 8 transgender prisoners, Balurghat Central Correctional Home had 4, and Dumdum Central Correctional Home accommodated 7.

Interestingly, the remaining 57 correctional homes in the state reported no transgender prisoners during that period. This data underscores the limited presence of transgender individuals within the prison system, highlighting the importance of developing policies and practices that address their unique needs and challenges while ensuring their rights and well-being are upheld.

Impact of putting women prisoners in Solitary Confinement

Placing women prisoners in solitary confinement can have a range of profound and often negative impacts on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. One of the most notable consequences is the severe toll it takes on their mental health. The isolation, sensory deprivation, and lack of meaningful human interaction in solitary confinement can lead to significant psychological distress. Many women in solitary confinement experience symptoms such as extreme anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts.

The prolonged periods of isolation, often lasting for weeks, months, or even years, can exacerbate preexisting mental health issues and sometimes trigger new ones, making it extremely challenging for women to cope with their circumstances.

The physical health effects of solitary confinement are also concerning. In isolated cells, women have limited access to physical exercise, natural light, and proper nutrition. The stressful environment of isolation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to illnesses.

Inadequate medical care and the heightened stress levels can result in deteriorating physical health, and the overall lack of human contact can lead to feelings of alienation and despair. Moreover, the combination of mental and physical health challenges can create a vicious cycle, where declining mental health exacerbates physical health issues and vice versa, making the experience in solitary confinement even more detrimental.

Beyond the immediate mental and physical effects, the impact of solitary confinement extends to the prospects for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Women in solitary confinement often have limited access to educational, vocational, or therapeutic programs that are essential for addressing the root causes of their criminal behavior and preparing them for a productive life after release.

This lack of rehabilitation opportunities can impede personal growth and skill development, hindering their ability to reintegrate into their communities effectively. Additionally, the social isolation experienced in solitary confinement can lead to difficulties in socializing and relating to others, further complicating their ability to adapt to life outside of prison once they are released.

Furthermore, some studies suggest that the use of solitary confinement may increase the risk of recidivism, as individuals who have endured isolation may struggle to reintegrate into their communities and are more likely to reengage in criminal behavior.

These detrimental consequences have led to growing calls for reform and a reconsideration of the use of solitary confinement, particularly for vulnerable populations like women prisoners. Reforms seek to prioritize more humane and rehabilitative approaches to incarceration, ensuring that incarcerated women are treated with dignity and are given the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.

Recommendations against Solitary Confinement

Numerous human rights organizations, experts, and advocates have put forth recommendations to limit or eliminate the use of solitary confinement due to its detrimental effects on individuals' mental and physical well-being. These recommendations often emphasize more humane and effective approaches to managing incarcerated populations. Some of the common recommendations against solitary confinement include:

• Implement strict limits on the use of solitary confinement, reserving it only for extreme cases where there is a genuine and immediate threat to the safety and security of the facility.
   
• In solitary confinement mentally ill prisoners should never be kept. Solitary confinement exacerbates mental illness and harms already vulnerable prisoners by subjecting them to sensory and social deprivation. Mentally ill prisoners should receive treatment and programming appropriate to their mental health needs.
   
• Establish clear and specific time limits for how long an individual can be held in solitary confinement. Prolonged isolation is particularly harmful and should be avoided.
   
• Transgender women must be protected both from violence in general population and from the dangers of solitary confinement. Enforce PREA standards for transgender individuals by evaluating each case individually, with a strong focus on placing transgender women in female facilities when appropriate. Corrections officials must protect vulnerable prisoners without the use of damaging isolation. Individuals requiring extra protection in a correctional environment should have access to the same programs, privileges, and services available to prisoners in general population.
   
• Pregnant and nursing women should never be held in solitary confinement, as this practice is both inhumane as well as medically unsound. The risk of placing pregnant and nursing women in solitary confinement cannot be justified.
   
• As a retaliatory measure solitary confinement should never be imposed. Prisons and jails must ensure that policy and practice abide by this principle and that staff training and disciplinary measures include clear regulations that retaliatory use of solitary confinement will not be tolerated. Qualified PREA auditors should also be specifically tasked with ensuring that inmate reports of abuse are seriously investigated and that such reports are not met with retaliatory solitary confinement.
   
• Develop and promote alternative strategies for addressing inmate behavior, such as positive reinforcement, behavioral therapy, and conflict resolution programs.
   
• Conduct thorough and regular assessments of inmates to identify mental health issues, vulnerabilities, or other factors that may make them unsuitable for placement in solitary confinement.
   
• Ensure transparency in the use of solitary confinement and provide access to independent oversight and monitoring mechanisms to prevent abuse.
   
• All prisons and jails should be required to regularly and publicly report details of individuals in solitary confinement, including number, gender, reason, alternatives available, reason alternatives are not used, duration, details of regular checks and other information. Correctional systems should be subject to strict reporting and accountability measures that limit, monitor and standardize the reasons why prisoners are sent to solitary confinement. Because there are no state or federal uniform data available, the extent of this problem cannot be ascertained.
   
• Improve the conditions of solitary confinement units, including access to natural light, proper ventilation, and regular opportunities for exercise and recreation.
   
• Ensure that individuals in solitary confinement have access to mental health care, including regular evaluations and treatment when needed.
   
• Women should undergo mental and medical health evaluations by competent and qualified mental and medical health practitioners to assess their condition before any placement in solitary confinement. Women's histories of mental illness, trauma, abuse, and sexual assault should be taken into account before they are placed in solitary confinement and should appropriately inform decisions to divert women from such confinement. Appropriate mental health programming, including counseling should be provided to women who have experienced sexual assault. Women who are vulnerable to re-traumatization should be guarded by female correctional officers.
• Train correctional staff on de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and the humane treatment of inmates.
   
• Collect and analyze data on the use of solitary confinement, including demographic information, reasons for placement, and the duration of isolation, to identify trends and potential disparities.
   
• Advocate for changes in legislation and correctional policies to align with best practices and human rights standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
   
• Raise public awareness about the harmful effects of solitary confinement and build support for reform efforts.
• Strengthen legal protections against the use of solitary confinement for vulnerable populations, such as juveniles, individuals with mental illnesses, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
   
• Provide support and resources for individuals transitioning out of solitary confinement to facilitate their successful reintegration into the general prison population or society upon release.
   
• Allow all prisoners to have in-person visits with children under 18, and promote family visitation. On prisoners' rehabilitation and on the well-being of their children, robust visitation privileges have been shown to have a positive impact. Visitation with children helps to create a more stable environment for children whose lives have been seriously upended by having a parent in prison.
   
• From solitary confinement prisoners should never be directly sent to community. To promote successful reentry, correctional institutions should ensure that step-down programs to less restrictive environments are available to all prisoners in solitary confinement prior to release without extending the length of an individual's sentence.
   
• All prisons and jails should be required to have uniform written policies controlling solitary confinement practices and procedures. These policies must be public and include a written notification process that informs inmates of their placement in solitary confinement, the reason, duration, and opportunities for review; the processes by which an inmate can obtain solitary confinement privileges, including access to commissary and visits; and the process by which an inmate can earn his or her own release from solitary confinement.

These recommendations emphasize the need to strike a balance between maintaining security in correctional facilities and respecting the human rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals. Advocates continue to work towards reforming correctional practices to minimize the use of solitary confinement and ensure that it is only employed as a last resort, under strict safeguards, focusing on reintegration and rehabilitation.

Conclusion:
Solitary confinement of women prisoners in jails is a practice where incarcerated women are isolated in small, often windowless cells for an extended period, typically 22 to 24 hours a day. This form of confinement is highly restrictive, with limited human contact and minimal access to educational, recreational, or therapeutic programs.

The reasons for placing women in solitary confinement may vary and can include disciplinary measures, administrative segregation for their own protection, or other reasons determined by prison authorities. Women in solitary confinement often face significant challenges, including the potential for adverse psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. Moreover, it has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate existing mental health issues.

Concerns about the use of solitary confinement for women prisoners have led to increased scrutiny and calls for reform in many countries. Advocates argue for more humane and rehabilitative approaches to managing inmate behavior and addressing safety concerns while minimizing the use of isolation. These reforms seek to ensure that women prisoners are treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support and resources to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

References:

1. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/36372
2. https://handwiki.org/wiki/Social:Solitary_confinement_of_women
3. https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/worse_than_second-class.pdf
4. https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/publications/still-worse-second-class-solitary-confinement-women-united-states-aclu-2018/
5. Reports of all 60 Superintendents of Correctional Homes of West Bengal

Written By: Md. Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565