An annual report summarized the most recent statistics relating to women and the criminal justice system.
Source: Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System 2004/05, Home Office (0870 000 1585)
Links: Report
Date: 2006-Nov
A report made recommendations regarding the factors which should be taken into account in the provision of the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) for female offenders. It said that women prisoners should not be pushed into formal learning too soon, as they would be unlikely to receive the full benefits.
Source: Elizabeth Walker, Helen Deane and Geraldine Petterson, Maximising the Benefits of OLASS for Female Offenders: An evaluation of the issues, Learning and Skills Network (020 7297 9000)
Links: Report | LSN press release
Date: 2006-Oct
A new book examined feminist and gendered perspectives on criminology and criminal justice. It addressed issues such as the gender gap; equity in the criminal justice system; and the impact of penal regimes on women.
Source: Frances Heidensohn (ed.), Gender and Justice: New concepts and approaches, Willan Publishing (01884 840337)
Links: Summary
Date: 2006-Oct
Campaigners said that the new gender equality duty, putting a duty on public bodies to promote equality between women and men, should be used to bring an end to institutional sexism in the criminal justice system.
Source: Holly Dustin, Understanding Your Duty: Report on the gender equality duty and criminal justice system, Fawcett Society (020 7253 2598)
Links: Report | Fawcett Society press release | EOC press release
Date: 2006-Jul
A report called on the prison service to develop 'first night in custody' centres in women s prisons to help reduce self-harm and suicide.
Source: Care, Concern and Carpets, Howard League for Penal Reform (020 7249 7373)
Links: HLPR press release | Community Care report
Date: 2006-Jun
A report examined the factors affecting the mental health of women in custody; and how local authorities, voluntary organizations and health services could help to prevent offending and re-offending by women.
Source: Penny Butler and Dorothy Kousoulou, Women at Risk: The mental health of women in contact with the judicial system, London Development Centre/Care Services Improvement Partnership (020 7307 2431)
Links: Report
Date: 2006-Jun
A report outlined the findings of research assessing the effectiveness of prison-based cognitive skills programmes on reducing reconviction for a sample of female offenders. No significant reduction was found.
Source: Jenny Cann, Cognitive Skills Programmes: Impact on Reducing Reconviction among a Sample of Female Prisoners, Research Findings 276, Home Office (020 7273 2084)
Links: Findings
Date: 2006-Apr