The study claims some women face such huge problems that they regard a jail term as "a refuge," it was reported last night.
Dr David Shewan, of Glasgow Caledonian University, conducted the Scottish research for the report, which also covered Spain, Poland, Germany and Austria.
It is understood he found some women chose jail to escape abusive partners, while others used a prison term to try to stabilise debt problems or drug addiction.
Scotland has one of the fastest growing female prisoner populations in Europe, despite Executive promises to reduce the problem.
Dr Shewan is reported to have said: "A very high proportion of these women are damaged and vulnerable. We need to find ways of looking after them, not imprisoning them."
The report concludes: "Community services are so unable to meet the basic needs of women offenders with drug problems, and other problems, that incarceration becomes an easier option."
Prison experts, including the HM Inspector of Prisons, have made repeated calls for greater use of community alternatives to jail.
Via: Scotsman
