Naomi Long

The consultation document focuses on working with women and girls throughout their contact with the justice system and particularly at an earlier stage to assist them in following a pathway away from offending.

Launching the consultation, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Every year there are a small number of women and girls who come in contact with the justice system, because of their behaviour.

“We want to adopt an approach that focuses on the range of contact with justice; on what can be done to prevent and divert women and girls from crime; supporting them to change in the community; and helping improve their lives and circumstances on the occasion they enter and leave custody.”

She added: “This approach is about recognising, from both research evidence and lived experience, that patterns and drivers of offending behaviour for women and girls are distinct and different to male offenders, as are their needs when they interact with the justice system.

“That means that a properly targeted strategy for supporting and rehabilitating women and girls is the best way of ensuring they take responsibility for their actions and address the harm caused by their behaviour, and move beyond the justice system to live healthier, stable and more productive lives.”