THE Bradford co-author of a report looking at the experiences of Muslim women in prison hopes it can be used as a benchmark for further research.

Muslim Women in Prison - Second Chance, Fresh Horizons, is a pilot project looking at the issues and challenges facing Muslim women during their time in prison and after their release.

Its findings have been discussed with Islamic charities in the UK and will now go before Government.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, who is the strategic development officer at Khidmat Centre in Bradford, interviewed some of the women involved in the study.

"I think this project is essential. This area needs looking into. The value of the project and its findings are being recognised and acknowledged," he said.

"Muslim women in prison is such a sensitive area, but we have produced a report which is sensitive, robust and honest."

He said the project would continue for another year.

"Bradford has a very strong connection with the report. The report raises issues for us as a community. We feel that Muslim women deserve a second chance.

"We, as a Muslim community, need to make sure they are integrated back into the community.

"Okay, they committed a crime, they were punished but we need to embrace them.

"Muslim women in prison has not been on the radar of the Muslim community before."

The initial study of 17 women, including three from Bradford, who were at New Hall prison in Wakefield and Askham Grange in York, took place between December 2013 and December 2014.

The women were aged between 20 and 63 and their crimes included murder and fraud.

The charity, Muslim Hands, commissioned the Huddersfield Pakistani Community Alliance to carry out the study.

The report found due to shame, embarrassment, pride and dignity, women are often disowned by their families and they had little contact with their families while in prison.

It found once Muslim women were released, there were are not able to return to their families or their communities for fear of rejection and criticism.

Issues raised included cultural taboos, isolation and rejection, English language barriers and immigration issues.

The report's recommendations included exploring employment for these women in the Muslim business sector, one-to-one support around facilities and services and rights and entitlements.

It also had recommendations for prisons with Muslim inmates such as information and training for existing prison staff to enhance their understanding of complex social norms for Muslim women behind bars.

Bana Gora, the chief executive of the Muslim Women's Council based in Bradford, said: "We welcome the fact that a report has been made focusing on the area of Muslim female offenders.

"We agree that more work should be done in order to rehabilitate female offenders.

"There needs to be a better understanding within the community as well towards Muslim female offenders.

"For them to be shunned by their families is extremely unfair."