INTRODUCTION

This chapter aims to take a close look at the reality of female crime in Spain. On the one hand, we analyze the singularities of this type of crime, which has, as with other neighbouring countries, experienced a significant increase in recent years. On the other hand, we focus on describing the current situation of women incarcerated in our prisons, an especially vulnerable group given their peculiarities and necessities. Lastly, the chapter establishes whether the current Spanish prison legislation echoes all or some of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures of Freedom for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules, 2010). To this end, a detailed study of standards, both national and international, is essential.

INTERNATIONAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK

On 14 December 1955, during the Franco dictatorship, Spain joined the United Nations, putting an end to the international isolation that had occurred after the Second World War. On 24 November 1977, at which time the Constitution of 1978, which reinstated a democratic system, had not yet been approved in our country, Spain joined the Council of Europe, becoming the 20th State of the international organization. In the decade that followed, Spain joined NATO (30 May 1982) and the European Union (1 January 1986).

In relation to international and European conventions and treaties specifically concerning women, Spain has signed and ratified the following: