A new programme, called JUNO, has been designed by Hampton Trust to meet the unique vulnerabilities of female offenders.
This programme aims to transform the current criminal justice response to female offenders across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
A safe and supportive space
JUNO provides a trauma-informed environment to ensure women with complex trauma histories feel safe and supported while they address the causes of their offending through the nine ‘pathways to reoffending’.
- education, training and employment
- accommodation
- health
- drugs and alcohol support services
- finance and benefits
- children and families
- attitudes, thinking and behaviour
- sexual exploitation
- domestic abuse
Referrals to the programme
Women who receive a conditional caution are referred to Hampton Trust to receive support via JUNO.
Specialist practitioners work with them to build their skills in emotional management and believe in their ability to control their lives and achieve their goals.
The women engage in two workshops and additional support is provided to access specialist services.
Jones: Need to work through what is causing them to offend and re-offend
Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said,
“Poor responses to multiple and complex needs of female offenders has for too long kept women in a cycle of offending. We need to identify and work through what is causing them to offend and address each of these issues.
“For many women this could be related to experience of exploitation or an abusive relationship, which is why it is particularly important that we take a trauma informed approach.”
Hughes: For too long the criminal justice system has failed women
Chantal Hughes, Hampton Trust Chief Executive said,
“We have 25 years’ experience in supporting women with complex trauma histories and we are delighted to have the opportunity to expand JUNO across Hampshire in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hampshire Constabulary.
“For too long the criminal justice system has failed women and by offering a trauma informed approach to address complex trauma histories we are providing opportunities for women to feel safe and supported to access the right services they need to move forward in their lives.”
Noble: Evidence supports that this is a really effective approach
Inspector Andy Noble, Hampshire Constabulary said,
“I am delighted that JUNO is part of our portfolio of options for Out of Court Disposals and provides a meaningful opportunity to work with women with a positive and supportive approach, ensuring that long term benefits are sought for victims, offenders and the wider community.
“Evidence supports that this is a really effective approach and is key to making a real difference, including the reduction in reoffending.”
News shared by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, in their own words. Ed
Image: houstondwiPhotos under CC BY 2.0
