HMIP report on community services for women

“Inspectors have confirmed what many have suspected—that tackling offending by women remains an afterthought in spite of a statutory duty on rehabilitation services to take account of their specific needs. Many of these women are mothers and their offending is often driven by addictions and past victimisation. The government already know the solutions, yet chronically under-invests in the services—including women centres, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment and safe accommodation—that would help women to turn their lives around.”