Ministry of Justice’s Female Offender Strategy for women in the criminal justice system

The MoJ’s new Female Offender Strategy (published in June 2018) launches a new programme of work to improve outcomes for female offenders and make society safer by tackling the underlying causes of offending.

The strategy sets out a vision that custody should be a last resort, reserved for the most serious offences. It highlights that where appropriate, women should be given the support they need to address their offending behaviour in community settings, and that early intervention is essential to reduce the number of women entering the justice system. The strategy emphasises the importance of gender-informed approach, recognising the gender-specific vulnerabilities: female offenders often suffer from mental health problems and self harm, and that 60% have experienced domestic abuse. What’s more, more female offenders are primary carers than their male counterparts, and the often short custodial sentences they serve lead to a disproportionate impact on children and families.

Read the full strategy and supporting documentation here

Infographic about women in CJS