Anyone listening to the programme about prisoner's families on R4?

[OhDoAdmitMrsDeVere]

I have worked with women involved in the justice system and am very sympathetic to the issues faced by families of prisoners.

I am just a bit at the implication in this programme that its somehow worse for the families featured because they are 'nice'

They are not used to all this. One woman talking about the trauma of prison visits because of being forced to mix with people she wouldnt chose.

I do not for one second dispute the awfulness of the situation they are in.

But do they (or the programme makers) really think its easier for someone who lives in a crappy house and had a crap upbringing?

Why is it worse for a man who is nice to go to prison for stealing money than it is for someone deemed as a bit of a chav?

I also sincerely hope that the mother of the murdered boy is not listening to the mother describe her son as not violent. I still have sympathy for the murder's mother. But he was carrying a knife and stabbed someone to death.

I would like to see more services put in place for families on both sides.
I am not a frothy 'bring back the birtch' sort at all btw.

I heard that programme and found it interesting and moving but did have mixed feelings, in the way you suggest. Until I saw your post, I wondered if it was just me picking up the wrong impression...

I guess this was a R4 way of saying 'You think prison doesn't happen to "nice" middle-class people? Be warned.' However old-fashioned that attitude may be.

Totally agree about the need for more services for families. It is shocking that families (all of them) are left to flounder.

I am glad it wasnt just me

There were some moving parts and I felt for the way they felt they were being punished. It was very sad to hear the young girl wishing her dad was with her on her birthday.

It just struck the wrong tone with me. It dont think there is anything to be gained from seperating out the families into nice v used to this sort of thing.

Surely they all suffer?

But it is radio 4