Advance, in partnership with police forces and statutory agencies in England aims to divert women and young women way from the criminal justice system and provides dedicated support services tailored to women’s needs.
Although fewer women are imprisoned and most offenses are minor, many have complex needs and are often victims of serious crimes themselves.
Women are also offered access to safe, women-specific centres and borough hubs, and groups and workshops
London Diversion Service
he London Diversion service aims to give the Metropolitan police the option to use a Conditional Caution as an alternative to prosecution.
We can divert women over the age of 18 who have committed low-harm offences into support services with the aim of breaking the cycle of offending and therefore reducing the overall demand on the police and Criminal Justice System.
The service provides:
- Targeted support and advocacy for women to address practical and emotional needs, including outreach services
- Intensive one-to-one support across all women’s rehabilitative needs
- Safe, women-only local hubs pan-regional and Women’s centres
- Access to tailored groups and workshops delivered by specialist providers
To find out more about how to refer, you email: female.diversion@advancecharity.org.uk
Marketing materials:
Portsmouth Diversion Service
The Portsmouth Diversion Service works in partnership with Portsmouth City Council to divert women away from the criminal justice system.
We support with women who have had contact with the criminal justice system and have been released following no further action, under investigation, or on bail. We also support when a woman has had a police call out for incidents such as domestic abuse but decided not to proceed with a prosecution.
We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from statutory agencies for women who are:
- 18 +
- Recent contact with the Police/Criminal Justice Services
- Resident or homeless in Portsmouth, PO1 to PO6
- Has support needs in domestic abuse and:
- mental health,
- homelessness,
- substance use
The service provides women with intensive support over 6 structured sessions and a period of 3 months:
- Targeted support and advocacy for women to address practical and emotional needs
- 1-2-1 contact for each woman with a dedicated advocate
- Women-specific specialist interventions including groups and workshops
- Dedicated women’s centres offering support, workshops and group work in women-only, safe spaces
Referrals can be made from any agency. To make a referral please fill in the form below and send to portsmouthdiversionservice@advance.cjsm.net
Marketing materials:
Facts about women in prison
(18% for men)
(this figure is believed to be higher)
(47% for men)
(27% for men)