Three new courts focus on problems behind women’s offending

Three new courts have opened in West Yorkshire, Merseyside and Northumbria to help women offenders tackle addiction, trauma and domestic abuse.

The courts are part of a scheme first introduced in 2023, which aims to stop women returning to crime by addressing some of the issues behind their offending. 

Judges take a more hands-on role, keeping track of women’s progress and stepping up supervision where needed. Women may also be required to wear tags or attend drug and alcohol treatment. 

News of the three courts means their are now seven of them across England. 

Catherine McKinnell, minister for prisons, probation and reducing offending, said: ‘I’ve seen too many cases where horrendous domestic abuse and subsequent addiction has led women to a life of crime which can feel impossible to escape alone.

‘Most of these women want to contribute to the community and they deserve support breaking the relentless cycle they’re in.’

 One woman who’s taken part in the scheme is Geraldine Owen, 26, who attended Birmingham’s Intensive Supervision Court (ISC). 

‘Going through the ISC has saved my life; I’ve made my way to my own truth,’ Owen said. ‘The experience has been powerful and has transformed my life; it has been a necessary chapter in my life.’ 

Research shows more than two-thirds of women in prison have bene victims of domestic abuse, while around 55% have a drug misuse need. Studies have also found more than half ave sustained brain injuries. 

Suzanne Smith, head of women’s justice at the Centre for Justice Innovation, added: ‘An independent evaluation of the ISCs found improved wellbeing, stronger family relationships and reduced substance use, issues linked to offending.

‘At the Centre for Justice Innovation, we have long championed these courts and recently trained each new court’s judges and multi-disciplinary team.

‘We are delighted three more have opened, giving women in the North of England a chance to turn their lives around through holistic, specialist support.’

Image: Geoffrey Moffett/UnSplash 

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