Women offenders are far more likely to have experienced domestic and sexual violence than the general female population: evidence suggests that between 50% and 80% of women in prison have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse(1). There is also a high prevalence of current and past domestic and sexual violence amongst women on community-based sentences(2) and they may continue to experience violence from partners and ex-partners whilst serving their sentence.
There is a clear case for acknowledging a woman offender’s experience of abuse, and addressing the ways in which these experiences relate to her offending behaviour. Recognition of these contributory factors does not mean absolving the offender from all blame or responsibility for her offence. A woman whose offences are linked to her experience of abuse by adult partners might be helped to develop alternative coping strategies, such as avoidance, escape planning, self-protection and using local support networks; or if her offending behaviour is linked to childhood abuse, therapeutic intervention may help her deal with the trauma. Access to practical assistance and opportunities to deal with the damaging physical and psychological effects of abuse are therefore critical in maximising women offenders’ ability to avoid future involvement in crime - in the same way that alcohol or drug use treatment may help offenders whose crimes are linked to use of substances.
Supporting women offenders who have experienced domestic and sexual violence
In 2011 Women's Aid published a framework providing guidance and resources to all those working with women offenders, in order to enable them to respond more effectively and consistently to those who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The framework aims to create an environment where women offenders who have experienced abuse:
- are able to disclose the abuse;
- are able to ask for and receive help and support;
- receive a sensitive and safe response;
- are referred appropriately to have their needs met; and
- where the safeguarding needs of children are recognised.
Download the framework: Supporting women offenders who have experienced domestic and sexual violence
References 1 Corston, Jean (2007) The Corston Report: A review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system (London: Home Office); Hooper, C. (2003) Abuse, interventions and women in prison: A literature review (London: Home Office); Social Exclusion Task Force (May 2009) Short study on women offenders (London: Cabinet Office and Ministry of Justice) http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/209663/setf_shortstudy_womenoffenders.pdf; Rumgay, Judith (2004) When victims become offenders: In search of coherence in policy and practice (London: Fawcett Society); Ministry of Justice with National Offender Management Service and National Probation Service (May 2008) Offender Management Guide to working with women offenders (London: MoJ) http://www.southwest.csip.org.uk/silo/files/management-guide-to-working-with-women-offenders.doc 2 Barnish, Mary (2004) Domestic Violence: A literature review (London: HM Inspectorate of Probation); Ministry of Justice with National Offender Management Service and National Probation Service (May 2008) op.cit.; Corston, J. (2007) op.cit..
