A specialist new court is being opened in Merseyside to better support vulnerable women at risk of being caught in a cycle of crime. The intensive supervision courts will make low level offenders directly confront issues of trauma and addiction by tackling the root causes of crime while keeping the option of prison open to those who pose a risk to the public.
Rollout to new areas
The courts were first launched in 2023 in Birmingham and have now been rolled out to three new areas, including Merseyside. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the goal is to reduce and eventually stop reoffending to give women a chance to turn their lives around.
Judges will play a more central role in rehabilitation by monitoring an individual's progress and have the power to tighten supervision where needed. Measures include tagging and engaging with drug and alcohol treatment or trauma-informed services to ensure accountability while addressing the underlying cause.
Official responses
Merseyside's police and crime commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: "Too often, women who offend have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, addiction or other complex challenges that have contributed to their circumstances. Simply punishing behaviour without addressing those underlying causes does little to break the cycle of offending or improve outcomes."
"This innovative approach combines robust supervision with intensive, personalised support, helping women to tackle the issues that have brought them into contact with the justice system while ensuring they remain accountable for their actions."
"By focusing on rehabilitation, recovery and long-term stability, we can help women build brighter futures for themselves and their families, reduce reoffending and create safer, stronger communities across Merseyside."
The MoJ also announced new courts in West Yorkshire and Northumbria bringing the total number across the country to seven. The approach is world-recognised and has shown to reduce offending by a third in the US.
The lord chancellor and prime minister recently committed to reduce the number of women in custody – particularly mums of young children - as part of wider reforms to ensure the justice system is fit for purpose today.
Statistics and support
More than two thirds of women in prison have been identified as victims of domestic abuse. Around 55% also have a drug misuse need, according to MoJ statistics. Studies have also revealed more than half of women in prison have sustained brain injuries.
Minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, Catherine McKinnell, said: "I've seen too many cases where horrendous domestic abuse and subsequent addiction has led women to a life of crime which can feel impossible to escape alone."
"Most of these women want to contribute to the community, and they deserve support breaking the relentless cycle they're in."
"This is precisely what these innovative courts have been designed to do for women in the north and beyond. These courts combine firm punishment with the support women need to stop offending for good."
Suzanne Smith, head of women's justice at Centre for Justice Innovation: "Problem-solving courts bring together the authority of the court and specialist services, including women's centres, and show real promise in reducing women's reoffending."
"An independent evaluation of the [courts] found improved wellbeing, stronger family relationships and reduced substance use - issues linked to offending."
The courts will work alongside community support, with the government confirming £32m in local women's centres and charities across the country. The MoJ also confirmed an increase in probation funding by up to £700m by 2028/2029, including the recruitment of at least 1,300 more probation officers.
