The government’s Policy Statement on Women in the Criminal Justice System, published on 17 July, gives no commitment to implement the Women’s Justice Board’s (WJB) recommendations for reducing women’s imprisonment, published in March. The statement makes clear the government’s continued commitment to reduce women’s imprisonment and notes the importance of cross-government work. It reminds us of measures that have previously been announced - new funding for women’s specialist services, new women’s intensive supervision courts and the expansion of prison-based social workers into all women’s prisons. These are important developments, but not new.
It is now well understood that most women in prison are victims of domestic abuse, and that for many it was their experience of abuse that led them to be criminalised. Yet the government’s statement does not mention domestic abuse or other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The government’s mission to halve VAWG and its ambition to reduce women’s imprisonment are intrinsically linked. Until this is fully understood and acted upon, neither ambition will be realised.
The WJB made important recommendations to ensure victims of VAWG have their experience of abuse properly taken into account by the criminal justice system, including by the establishment of effective defences. They also recommended legislation to end the imprisonment of pregnant women in all but the most exceptional circumstances, the establishment of a Young Women’s Strategy and the adoption of an anti-racist, intersectional approach to address disparities faced by Black, Asian, minoritised and migrant women.
The government must not delay any further in responding substantively to these proposals. It must publish a cross-government strategy for reducing women’s imprisonment, with measurable and time-bound aims, a coherent plan for communication with external stakeholders and a commitment to publish regular reviews of progress.
Harriet Wistrich, Solicitor and CEO of Centre for Women’s Justice, said:
“The government received the WJB’s report seven months ago. Following Minister Timpson’s resignation this morning, the new Prime Minister must ensure that any new minister appointed is empowered to implement the WJB’s recommendations in full, including effective defences for victims of domestic abuse who are accused of offending.
“Success cannot be achieved in a piecemeal fashion. Without bold commitments and more serious action, the government risks failure.”
ENDS