This report is timely, as the debate continues over whether women convicted of non-violent offences should be sent to prison and how to address a crumbling criminal justice system. We explore how Women’s Centres can support justice-involved women across their multiple, often complex needs in a safe and welcoming space.
Prison is extremely expensive, and it has long been recognised that Women’s Centres offer a necessary and cost-effective alternative that the government cannot ignore. The return on is clear – £4.68 is saved for every £1 invested in the project.
Our Women’s Centres are designed to be relaxed, welcoming environments where women can be themselves, share their feelings, access practical help and connect with others with similar experiences. Despite this, Women’s Centres are not always well understood or fully resourced by policymakers and commissioners. This research seeks to highlight the tangible, life-changing work that happens within these centres.
Women’s centre user said:
Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Tracie Couper, Press Officer at Advance, at tracie.c@advancecharity.org.uk or on 0743 2700 287.
About Advance
- Advance’s vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, just and equal lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society. The charity works with women who experience domestic abuse to be safe and take control of their lives, and women who have committed crime or are at risk of offending to break the cycle.
- As well as providing direct support, Advance works with statutory services, government agencies and other women’s charities to ensure a holistic approach to the issues these women face.
- Women must be referred to Advance, via statutory services or the charity’s self-referral scheme. For more information about who Advance is able to support, please visit Get help.
- For facts and statistics about domestic abuse and women in the criminal justice system, as well as Advance’s work, please visit Our impact.
