Lizzie Kommes

Consistently around the world, women make up less than 10% of the prison population. Often the number is significantly lower. Despite the smaller population, female prisoners often have access to less resources and rehabilitation services while incarcerated, as the limited funding and programs are prioritised for the largest prisons, which typically only house male inmates.

Lizzie Kommes was able to turn her life around inside, despite the typical setbacks facing female inmates. She served ten years for charges relating to driving under the influence and bribery, using her time inside as an opportunity to overcome her addiction. Since leaving prison, Lizzie found unexpected stardom on the US reality TV show – Love After Lockup – which chronicles the lives of former inmates and their partners. Once released she pursued the higher education often denied to female inmates and completed a college degree.

Newcastle Libraries · Lizzy Kommes

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