Women in contact with the criminal justice system are amongst the most vulnerable in society. Many experience trauma, domestic abuse, mental health problems or have a history of alcohol and drug misuse. Factors that can lead men and women to commit crime, and to reoffend, can vary significantly. An approach that takes account of the different needs and backgrounds of women is most effective in addressing their offending behaviour.

The Female Offender Strategy Delivery Plan sets out our commitments for 2022 to 2025 and builds on the Female Offender Strategy (June 2018). The Strategy made the case for taking a women-specific and trauma responsive approach to improve outcomes for women and reduce reoffending.

The Female Offender Strategy Delivery Plan highlights 4 key priorities to reducing women’s offending over the 2022 to 2025 period:

fewer women entering the justice system and reoffending
fewer women serving short custodial sentences with a greater proportion managed successfully in the community
better outcomes for women in custody
protecting the public through better outcomes for women on release

The Delivery Plan sets out specific and measurable commitments aimed at delivering its 4 priorities and covers all adult women in or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system across England and Wales.

A ‘one year on’ progress report on the delivery plan was published in May 2024.

Published 31 January 2023
Last updated 21 March 2024 + show all updates

21 March 2024
The Female Offender Strategy key metrics have been added to this publication.
1 June 2023
Welsh translations published.
4 May 2023
Female Offender Strategy commitments published.
31 January 2023
Impact assessment published.
31 January 2023
First published.

Female Offender Strategy Delivery Plan 2022 to 2025

Applies to England and Wales

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