In this exhibition, we saw conversations between spiritual carers and detainees and well-attended faith services at Esserheem prison.

But what is the national perspective? The information on this wall is based on the most recent ‘preference poll’ among detainees, conducted by the prison department. This shows that high appreciation for spiritual care in detention is not limited to Veenhuizen.

• 168 spiritual counsellors are available for an average of 10,780 incarcerated people.
• 83% of the incarcerated use of spiritual care.
• There are 49.700 contact moments a year, consisting of:
  • 000 individual meetings
  • 600 group meetings
  • 100 service
• Most discussed themes:
  • the committed crime
  • relationship and family problems
  • addiction problems
  • detention experience
  • loneliness
  • religious questions
  • future prospects

Quotes: 

“I have always benefited greatly from the spiritual counselling, also for my girlfriend, but also definitely for my bond with my son. These are small things, but for when you are incarcerated, these are very valuable.”

“The spiritual counsellor in my prison has continued to visit me faithfully all this time. That has meant a lot to me, not being abandoned.”