1st Girls and Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System Conference

The Inaugural Conference on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System was dedicated to an essential and often overlooked topic: the unique experiences of girls and women within the criminal justice system. Acknowledging the strong belief among researchers and professionals that a national and international discourse is long overdue, this event was a crucial first step in addressing the specific needs of this population. The conference provided a platform for discussions on issues that are particularly unique to girls and women. These included self-harm, drug use, the stigmas faced by mothers, financial instability, prostitution and human trafficking, domestic and intimate partner violence, and trauma. We also explored the distinct pathways that often lead girls and women into criminal behaviour. This focus is especially critical because the foundational research and systems of incarceration, prison, and community re-entry were originally developed with men in mind. By shining a light on these gender-specific issues, we can begin to build a more informed and equitable approach to criminal justice for girls and women.
The conference was in partnership with Professor Tammi Walker and Alison Hodgson, Elaine Platten and Rachel Earnshaw who are part of TEWV Health & Justice Services and HMP Low Newton. Please see the photos from the first Girls and Women Involved in the CJS Conference on February 18th 2025, on the link below.