The UK government has announced a £31.6 million funding boost to provide vulnerable women caught in cycles of crime with targeted support, including drug rehabilitation, employment assistance, and housing. The investment will enable women’s centres and charities across the country to deliver specialist help to female offenders, most of whom are themselves victims of crime. The multi-year package represents a 50 percent increase in funding and aims to address the root causes of offending, helping women break free from addiction, abusive relationships, and homelessness.
Evidence shows that more than two-thirds of women in custody have experienced domestic abuse, over half have sustained brain injuries, and a similar proportion struggle with drug addiction. By tackling these underlying issues, the government aims to reduce reoffending, prevent future victims, and lower the £18 billion annual cost of crime to taxpayers. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized that punishment should focus on rehabilitation, helping women rebuild their lives and protecting their families, rather than repeatedly cycling them through prison.
The funding aligns with recommendations from the Women’s Justice Board, which published a report calling for sustainable investment in specialist services to prevent crime and reduce the number of women in custody. While serious offenders will still face prison, the report highlights that community-based alternatives are more effective at addressing the root causes of offending. Experts, including Anne Fox of Clinks and Natausha van Vliet of PACT, welcomed the investment, noting that trauma-informed support delivered in the community keeps women safe, reduces reoffending, and strengthens families.
The government will also expand Intensive Supervision Courts, including a new site for female offenders in Liverpool, which provide close monitoring, treatment, and support for women committing low-level offences. These courts have been shown internationally to reduce repeat arrests by a third compared to standard prison sentences. As reforms progress, the Women’s Justice Board will transition into a Women’s Justice Advisory Group, continuing to provide independent expertise to guide initiatives aimed at diverting women from custody and promoting lasting rehabilitation.
