Breaking out of the Justice Loop: Event

This online event was an opportunity to hear from Naomi Delap and Liz Hogarth, authors of the recent Breaking out of the Justice Loop report; and to find out more about what a transformational change for women in the criminal justice system might involve.

The event and report come at an important time for women’s justice. The Government has announced a bold approach to respond to issues facing women in contact with the criminal justice system. The creation of a Women’s Justice Board and its new strategy will, it is stated, reduce the number of women in prison and tackle the root causes of women’s offending by driving early intervention, diversion and alternatives to custody.

This new direction is a cause for celebration. If the initiative is to work, however, it is imperative we learn from the lessons of the past in order to avoid making the same mistakes; and look to other models for solutions in order to deliver, finally, a justice system that works for women.

Speakers:

• Abbi Ayers, Director of Strategic Development, National Women’s Justice Coalition (Chair)
• Naomi Delap, Director, Birth Companions and member of the Women's Justice Board Partnership Delivery Group
• Liz Hogarth OBE, independent women’s justice expert and former civil servant
• Helen Mills, Head of Programmes, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies