For the majority in society, the needs of prisoners and the ripple effects of incarceration on their families is not a public concern. However, the issues and harms faced by the families are far more significant than we think. Research has shown that incarceration has a harmful impact, not only on the offender but also on the offenders family (1, 2), with studies even labelling the experience as “secondary prisonisation”. Not only are they suffering from the loss of being separated from loved ones, but they also encounter a range of issues, including but not limited to: 

• Stigmatisation: As a society, our views and opinions are influenced by what we see in the media, news outlets and even the opinions of those around us, especially when it comes to crime. As a result of the negative publicity of the media, families of offenders may become subject to discrimination from their communities, leading them to become distressed and socially isolated. 
• Financial strain: Following the incarceration of an individual, family members may have to bear the burden of financially supporting themselves and the whole family. If the incarcerated family member was the family breadwinner, the family suffers a loss of income, thus placing strain as the family may no longer be able to afford to provide financial support.
• Housing: As a result of financial strain, some families may no longer be able to afford their homes or their utility bills, forcing them to either take out a loan or being faced with eviction. 
• Travel issues: Visitation may not be feasible to all due to the lengthy travel times and high costs associated with travel. Visiting hours may also not be accessible to families who are employed or for children who are in school. For these individuals they may be required to take time off work or to take their children out of school to allow them to attend a visit; this can lead to further challenges such as losing out on income and children missing out on their education. This may cause familial relationships to diminish between the prisoner and their family due to the inability to maintain regular contact.
• Children: Incarceration can lead to the birth of many single parent families, and in some cases, it may even lead to the children being placed in care. The effects of incarceration are largely detrimental on the development and wellbeing of a child as it is disruptive. Children with incarcerated parents are also at a higher risk of developing mental health problems and offending in the future.
• Lack of support: Families of offenders may require support with benefits and housing to alleviate some of the stress. However, the lengthy process of the claims can mean the families are left waiting for weeks to receive payment. 
• Psychological: Incarceration is emotionally draining for the families of offenders. In addition to suffering from having their loved ones being placed behind bars, their financial stress, being the primary caregiver for children and struggling to maintain familial relationships can mean family members can become victims to mental health problems. In some cases, it may even heighten the risk of alcohol and drug dependency as a coping method amongst family members.
• Physical: Having a loved one behind bars can be a very stressful experience. As a result, families of offenders are more likely to develop health related issues as a result of the other challenges. Their financial instability may mean that they may be unable to receive adequate healthcare and medication to treat any health issues they may have. Additionally, they may also be unable to pay for their rent, bills and unable to afford food. The poor living conditions can lead to the deterioration of their physical health.

It is important to remember that these issues do not come in singularity. Rather, these issues are compounded and tend to further aggravate the other struggles faced by the families. Often, offenders and their families may come from marginalised communities which can mean they were already vulnerable prior to offending. Incarceration further intensifies their vulnerability.

On the other hand, for some families, having their loved ones behind bars may serve as a form of relief. For families that have loved ones who are homeless or suffering from substance abuse, knowing that they have been placed in an institution where they are able to receive regular foods and are provided shelter can place them at ease. They no longer have to worry about their well being as much as they would have prior to imprisonment. For some, the offenders may even be violent or abusive, thus placing themselves and their loved ones at risk. Incarceration on that behalf would be the safer option for both the families, and the offender.

Prisons are severely overcrowded and efforts must be made to decrease the number of prisoners to reduce the harms of incarceration. Recent statistics demonstrate that the majority of those currently serving a sentence in England and Wales had committed a non-violent crime (61%), with 37% of the total prison population serving a short sentence (six months or less). The Howard League for Penal Reform argue that community sentences are more effective against reducing recidivism than short term prison sentences. Additionally, families of offenders will also benefit from community sentences as they will no longer be separated, thus reducing the number of issues they face as a result of incarceration.

Many people are directly and indirectly affected by incarceration and families are often placed at a disadvantage as a result of incarceration. It is important to remember that family members must not be punished for the crime they did not commit and adequate support must be provided for the families to alleviate their stress.