WORKING WITH YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS

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Working with girls and young women who have been drawn into the criminal justice system comes with a set of unique challenges. In a criminal justice system dominated by and designed for men, the low number of young women and girls can lead to relative invisibility in the system.

“Working with Young Women and Girls” features Susan Batchelor, Senior Lecturer In the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, and Michele Burman, Professor of Criminology in the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow. Drawing from their in-depth experience and research working in the field, these panelists present on Scotland’s distinctive approach to young people who offend; discuss the challenges of working with justice-involved young women and girls; provide insights into best practices for working with young women and girls, and; develop a case for feminist youth justice.The event is moderated by Dui Hua Fellow Rebekah Enoch.

Here are some key takeaways from the event:

 “Many young people involved in offending behavior could and should be diverted from statutory measures, prosecution and custody through early intervention and the use of robust community alternatives.”

– Dr. Michele Burman

“…working with girls and young women requires the recognition of intersectional, inequalities and barriers alongside young women’s resilience and strengths, poverty, and deprivation are key features of the backgrounds of girls and young women in conflict with the law in Scotland. And these need to be addressed if we wish to reduce offending and improve the life chances of this group.” 

– Dr. Susan Batchelor