House of Commons Justice Committee -
Women represent less than five per cent of the total prison population. They are often sentenced to custody for non-violent, low-level but persistent offences, and are more likely than men to be sentenced for short periods of time. Female offenders are often the most vulnerable in society and have varied and complex needs. Many have experienced mental health problems, substance misuse, homelessness, abuse and trauma in their lives. The Ministry of Justice recognised these challenges in its 2018 Female Offender Strategy, which set out its strategic priorities to see fewer women coming into the criminal justice system; fewer women in custody (especially on short sentences); and a greater proportion of women managed in the community successfully, with better conditions for those in custody. This report assesses its performance to date against those priorities.