Stella’s Circle and its Just Us Women’s Centre are very saddened to hear about another death at the NL Correctional Centre for Women. Our Just Us Women’s Centre staff travel to Clarenville 46 weeks of the year to support the women and offer group and one-on-one counselling related to addictions, trauma and personal development.

Most incarcerated women have been marginalized prior to entry into the criminal justice system. They are further stigmatized because of their involvement with the correctional system. Many live in poverty, have experienced trauma and struggle with addictions and mental health issues.  The women at the NL Correctional Centre are mothers, sisters, and daughters.  In the last five weeks, two women have lost the opportunity to leave prison and go home. We offer our condolences to their family and friends.

Government has commissioned an independent external review of the circumstances surrounding the death of inmates at Newfoundland and Labrador correctional centres between August 31, 2017 and May 26, 2018. We offer our full co-operation with the independent review.

Our Stella’s Circle staff will continue to offer support to the women and staff at the NL Correctional Centre for Women during this difficult time.