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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
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Results for female victims
52 results foundAuthor: United Nations Children's Fund. Innocenti Research Centre Title: A Study on Violence Against Girls: Report on the International Girl Child Conference, 9-10 March 2009, The Hague, the Netherlands Summary: This document summarizes the discussions and outcomes of the International Girl Child Conference. The conference addressed the gaps in knowledge, research and responses to violence against girls in the home and family. Details: Florence, Italy: UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, 2009 Source: Government of the Netherlands Year: 2009 Country: Netherlands URL: Shelf Number: 116245 Keywords: Female VictimsJuvenilesViolence |
Author: Decker, Scott H. Title: A Statewide Profile of Abuse of Older Women and the Criminal Justice Response Summary: This report examines Rhode Island's population of all women 50 and over who were victims of domestic violence reported to law enforcement over an entire year, offering a more complete profile of older women abuse, their abusers, the abuse, and the response of state authorities to their reported abuse. Details: Budbary, MA: Advocates for Human Potential, Inc, 2008 Source: National Institute of Justice Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 116300 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceElder AbuseFemale VictimsRhode Island |
Author: Bhattacharya, Manasi Title: Marital Violence and Women's Employment and Property Status: Evidence from North Indian Villages Summary: This paper draws on testimonies of men and women and data gathered from rural Uttar Pradesh, to examine the effect of women's employment and asset status as measured by their participation in paid work and their ownership of property, respectively, on spousal violence. Details: Bonn, Germany: Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), 2009 Source: IZA Discussion Paper No. 4361 Year: 2009 Country: India URL: Shelf Number: 116387 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceEmploymentFemale Victims |
Author: Travers, Kathryn Title: Women's Safety: A Shared Global Concern-Compendium of Practice and Policies Summary: This report includes 69 examples from 32 countries, and is divided into 4 main sections: municipal strategies, non-governmental initiatives, national government strategies and policies, and tools and resources. Details: Montreal: International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, 2008 Source: ICPC's 8th Annual Colioquium on Crime Prevention, Women's Safety Year: 2008 Country: Canada URL: Shelf Number: 113418 Keywords: Crime ControlFemale Victims |
Author: Howard, Jo Title: It All Starts At Home: Male Adolescent Violence to Mothers: A Research Report Summary: This research paper examines male adolescents' abuse and violence to their sole parent mothers. It gathers qualitative data from ten women, from a range of cultural backgrounds to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences of the abuse and violence from their sons. Details: St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia: Inner South Community Health Service, 2008 Source: Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 115206 Keywords: Adolescent MalesDomestic ViolenceFemale Victims |
Author: Loukatiou-Sideris, Anastasia Title: How to Ease Women's Fear of Transportation Environments: Case Studies and Best Practices Summary: The relationship between women's fear and the built environment has been the subject of research with clear findings that women feel unsafe in many public spaces. These often include transportation environments. Desolate bus stops and train cars, dimly lit park-and-ride lots and parking structures, but also overcrowded transit vehicles represent stressful setting for many women, who often feel compelled to change their transportation modes and travel patterns in order to avoid them. Past research has shown that transit passengers' fears and concerns about safety influence their travel decisions. But while the relationship between women's fear of crime and public space has been the focus on considerable research, transit environments have received less attention. This study seeks to address this gap by, 1) identifying the perspectives and needs of women regarding safety from crime in transit environments through a comprehensive literature review and in depth interviews with representatives of 16 national women's interest groups; 2) assessing if these needs are met by transit agencies, through a survey of 131 U.S. transit operators; 3) discussing the model programs and best practices from the U.S. and overseas that address women's concerns about safe travel. The authors found women transit passengers have some distinct travel needs, but these needs are not well addressed in the U.S., where only a handful of transit operators have specific programs in place targeting the safety needs of women riders. In contrast, some other countries have adopted specific measures and policies in response to women's transit safety needs. The authors also found a mismatch between the expressed needs of women passengers adn the types and locations of common safety/security strategies adopted by transit agencies. Based on feedback from the interviews and case studies, the authors offer a series of policy recommendations. Details: San Jose, CA: Mineta Transportation Institute. College of Business, San Jose State University, 2009 Source: Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 117387 Keywords: Female VictimsTransit Safety |
Author: Robertson, Neville Title: Living at the Cutting Edge: Women's Experiences of Protection Orders. Volume 1: The Women's Stories Summary: This report examines the experiences of 43 Maori, Pakeha, Pasifika and other ethnic minority women who were victims of male partner violence, the impact of violence on them and their children, and their experiences of the justice system when they reached out for protection. Details: Waikato, NZ: University of Waikato, 2007 Source: Commissioned by the Ministry of Women's Affairs Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 115684 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Robertson, Neville Title: Living at the Cutting Edge: Women's Experiences of Protection Orders. Volume 2: What's To Be Done? A Critical Analysis of Statutory and Practice Approaches to Domestic Violence Summary: This report examines the experiences of 43 Maori, Pakeha, Pasifika and other ethnic minority women who were victims of male partner violence, the impact of violence on them and their children, and their experiences of the justice system when they reached out for protection. Details: Waikato, NZ: University of Waikato, 2007 Source: Commissioned by the Ministry of Women's Affairs Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 115684 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Klein, Andrew Title: A Statewide Study of Stalking and its Criminal Justice Response Summary: This study utilizes a multi-methods approach including secondary data analyses of Rhode Island statewide datasets and qualitative methods to examine the impact of identifying the crime of stalking of female intimates and family members across Rhode Island in multiple years. Details: Sudbury, MA: Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., 2009 Source: National Institute of Justice Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 116209 Keywords: Female VictimsStalking |
Author: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Title: Access to justice for women victims of violence in the Americas Summary: This report on the situation of women victims of violence examines major obstacles that women encounter when they seek effective judicial protection to redress acts of violence. The report offers recommendations about what states need to do to act with due diligence necessary to offer an effective and prompt judicial recourse when incidents of violence occur. The analysis is based on findings drawn from the data compiled from a variety of sources, including the administration of justice systems, civil servants and government representatives, civil society, academia, and women of differing races, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances. Details: Washington, DC: General Secretariat, Organization of American States, 2007 Source: Year: 2007 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 115187 Keywords: Female VictimsViolence Against WomenViolent Crime |
Author: Dallakyan, Ani Title: Report on Nationwide Survey Findings: Domestic Violence and Abuse of Women in Armenia Summary: This document reports on a survey undertaken by the Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis in order to provide information for the development of the activities of the Women's Rights Center in the prevention of domestic violence against women. The purpose of the nationwide Armenian study is to determine women's attitudes towards domestic violence against women and understanding about its causes and solutions, and to assess the extent of domestic violence and abuse of women in Armenia. It is also aimed at revealing the recent incidents of physical abuse of women at home. Details: Yerevan, Armenia: Women's Rights Center, 2007 Source: Year: 2007 Country: Armenia URL: Shelf Number: 117380 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsViolent Crime |
Author: National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) Title: Nigeria: Country Response on Trafficking in Persons Especially Children and Women (2002-2007) Summary: This report is an update version of earlier reports of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) projects and programs implemented in Nigeria from 2002 to 2006. It highlights the successes of the Nigerian government and identifies gaps in the response and offers recommendations to fill those gaps. This report also has information on Nigeria's status as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. Also considered are legislative and policy developments, constraints and challenges, and highlights good practices and lessons learned in the course of program implementation. Details: Abuja, Nigeria: NAPTIP, Geneva: UNICEF, 2008 Source: Year: 2008 Country: Nigeria URL: Shelf Number: 115378 Keywords: Female VictimsHuman TraffickingJuvenilesNigeria |
Author: Restifo, Francesca Title: Violence Against Women and Children in Kenya: An Alternative Report to the Committee Against Torture Summary: The purpose of this alternative report is to address matters that make women and children vulnerability of women and children, as regards their exposure to torture, and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment. Furthermore, it draws attention to consistent human rights violations involving torture and ill-treatment inflicted on women and children by both State officials and non-State actors. It also addresses to what extent the Kenyan government fails to protect women and children from torture. In this respect, the present report provides the Committee with a legal and practical overview on women's and children's rights in Kenya in the context of the implementation of the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: World Organisation Against Torture, 2008 Source: Year: 2008 Country: Switzerland URL: Shelf Number: 114859 Keywords: Female VictimsHuman RightsJuvenilesKenyaViolent Crime |
Author: National Union of Students (UK) Title: Hidden Marks: A Study of Women Students' Experiences of Harassment, Stalking, Violence and Sexual Assault Summary: This report outlines findings from a survey exploring the prevalence and nature of harassment, stalking, financial control, control over course and institution choice, and physical and sexual violence faced by female students. The UK-wide study provides a snapshot of the experiences of women students today. Details: London: National Union of Students, 2010. 38p. Source: Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 117831 Keywords: Female VictimsHarassmentSexual AssaultStalking |
Author: Travers, Kathryn Title: Women's Safety: A Shared Global Concern -- Compendium of Practice and Policies Summary: This report presents a global compendium of practices on a municipal, non-governmental, and national level in the field of women's safety. It includes 69 examples from 32 countries, and is divided into four sections: municipal strategies, non-governmental initiatives, national government strategies and policies, and tools and resources. Details: Montreal: International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, 2008. 164p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 113418 Keywords: Abused WomenCrime Prevention MeasuresFear of CrimeFemale Victims |
Author: Lauritsen, Janel L. Title: Gender and Violent Victimization, 1973-2005 Summary: This study examined long-term trends in violent victimization by gender and various socio-demographic data, using relevant data from the National Crime Survey and its successor, the National Crime Victimization Survey for the period 1973-2005. Details: Unpublished report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice, 2009. 86p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 119159 Keywords: Crime StatisticsFemale VictimsVictimization SurveysViolent CrimeViolent Victimization |
Author: Duvvury, Nata Title: Intimate Partner Violence: High Costs fo Households and Communities Summary: This report presents the findings of a three-country study in Bangladesh, Morocco and Uganda to estimate the economic costs of intimate partner violence at the household and community levels, where its impact is most direct and immediate. The focus on intimate partner violence was motivated by the fact that this is the most common form of violence against women. A household and community level analysis helps to shed light on intimate partner violence's relationship to both household economic vulnerability and the extent to which scarce public resources for essential health, security and infrastructure services are diverted due to such violence. Details: Washington, DC: International Center for Research on Women, 2009. 12p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 119362 Keywords: Costs of CrimeFemale VictimsIntimate Partner Violence |
Author: Vaillancourt, Roxan Title: Gender Differences in Police-reported Violent Crime in Canada, 2008 Summary: Police-reported data show that the risk of violent victimization among adult males (aged 18 years of age and over) is comparable to that of adult females. Adult females accounted for 51% or about 152,000 of the 298,000 victims of violent incidents reported to the police in 2008, while some 146,000 victims were male. There are many consequences associated with being a victim of a violent crime including injuries, increased stress levels and disruption to day-to-day activities. According to the 2004 General Social Survey (GSS) on Victimization, 24% of victims who sustained injuries due to a violent victimization sought medical attention and 20% required bed rest. In addition, 81% of victims experienced some form of emotional reaction such as anger, confusion or being fearful, and one-third reported having problems sleeping. This profile examines the nature and extent of gender differences in police-reported violent victimization between male and female adults aged 18 years and over. It analyses gender differences in victimization based on the prevalence across the provinces and territories, the type of violent offence, the location of the incident, the presence and type of weapon used, the level of injury to the victim, the victim’s relationship to the perpetrator, and the age of the victim. Details: Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2010. 26p. Source: Internet Resource: Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics Profile Series: Accessed September 7, 2010 at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85f0033m/85f0033m2010024-eng.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Canada URL: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85f0033m/85f0033m2010024-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 119753 Keywords: Crime StatisticsFemale VictimsGenderVictimization SurveysVictims of CrimeViolent Crime |
Author: Kelly, Liz Title: Map of Gaps 2: The Postcode Lottery of Violence Against Women Support Services in Britain Summary: This report shows that in many parts of the UK, services for women who have experienced violence are chronically under-funded or simply do not exist. Women shouldn’t be subjected to this postcode lottery. This is a call to action for everybody who cares about this issue, and a firm reminder for those in local and national government with the power to make a difference. Urgent effort must be made to provide funding and support to ensure that all women can get help whenever they need it and wherever they live. Details: London: End Violence Against Women and Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2009. 77p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 9, 2010 at: http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/data/files/map_of_gaps2.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/data/files/map_of_gaps2.pdf Shelf Number: 114338 Keywords: Battered WomenDomestic ViolenceFamily ViolenceFemale VictimsVictim of Crimes, Services forViolence Against Women |
Author: Newman, Frederick L. Title: Testing a Model of Domestic Abuse Against Elder Women and Perceived Barriers to Help-Seeking: Comparing Victim and Non-Victim Responses Summary: This study examined perceived barriers to help-seeking by female victims of domestic abuse ages 50 and over compared to the perceived barriers for women in the same age group who had not been victims of such abuse The analyses of the empirical model used in the study found that perceived barriers to help-seeking involve six factors that are present in distinctive ways based on the severity of abuse, race-ethnicity, relationship with the abuser, gender of the abuser, and age. Details: Miami, FL: Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, 2009. 118p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 11, 2010 at: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/231095.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/231095.pdf Shelf Number: 119924 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceElder AbuseElderly VictimsFemale VictimsVictims of Crime, Services for |
Author: Totten, Mark Title: Investigating the Linkages between FASD, Gangs, Sexual Exploitation and Women Abuse in the Canadian Aboriginal Population: A Preliminary Study Summary: Over the last decade there has been an increase in the reporting of Aboriginal gangs and the impact on individuals, communities and youth in Canada. Some reports have described youth involvement in these gangs as reaching crisis proportions, particularly in prairie provinces, since the social impacts of gangs are directly linked to the drug trade, violence, weapons trade, sexual exploitation and the trafficking of women and girls. The impact on Aboriginal women and girls is particularly worrisome, as their involvement in gang activity is increasing, which may be directly related to their vulnerability and marginalization in Canadian society. This link is surmised by the fact that Aboriginal girls and women are significantly more likely than any other group in the country to die at a young age from suicide, homicide or serious illness; they suffer disproportionately elevated rates of sexual and physical abuse as children and adults; rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) appear to be elevated in the Aboriginal (particularly the First Nations) population, which is directly linked to higher rates of drug and alcohol use and addictions at a young age; and, they make up the large majority of all individuals in Canada who are involved in the sex trade and sexual trafficking. In addition to these indicators, there is increasing evidence that suggests gangs are responsible for the sexual exploitation and sexual slavery of Aboriginal women and girls. While there is an increasing awareness of the involvement of Aboriginal girls in gangs, there is little published evidence to determine concrete linkages between gangs, sexual exploitation and violence. One factor that has not yet been explored, as both a cause, consequence and compounding factor of the exploitation of Aboriginal women and girls and gang involvement is FASD. The purpose of this research report for the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is to provide an exploratory investigation into the linkages between many of the abovementioned phenomena - to begin a journey into making the connection between FASD, sexual exploitation, gangs, and extreme violence in the lives of Aboriginal young women. In so doing, we hope to develop a plan to prevent Aboriginal young women from using alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy. Details: Ottawa: Native Women's Association of Canada, 2009. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 28, 2010 at: http://www.nwac.ca/sites/default/files/imce/NWAC%20FASD%20SexExplGangs%202009.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Canada URL: http://www.nwac.ca/sites/default/files/imce/NWAC%20FASD%20SexExplGangs%202009.pdf Shelf Number: 120115 Keywords: AboriginalsAlcohol AbuseFemale VictimsFetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderGangsHuman TraffickingSexual Exploitation |
Author: Kernaghan, Charles Title: Sexual Predators and Serial Rapists Run Wild at Wal-Mart Supplier in Jordan. Young women workers raped, tortured and beaten at the Classic Factory Summary: According to witnesses who work at Classic Fashion, scores of young Sri Lankan women sewing clothing for Wal-Mart and Hanes have suffered routine sexual abuse and repeated rapes, and in some cases even torture. One young rape victim at the Classic factory in Jordan told us her assailant, a manager, bit her, leaving scars all over her body. Women who become pregnant are forcibly deported and returned to Sri Lanka. Women who refuse the sexual advances of Classic's managers are also beaten and deported. Classic, the largest garment export factory in Jordan, sews clothing for Wal-Mart, Hanes, Kohl's, Target and Macy's. The garments enter the U.S. duty-free under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. On the weekly holiday, the alleged serial rapist general manager, Anil Santha, sends a van to bring four or five young women to his hotel, where he abuses them. The lives of the young Sri Lankan rape victims are completely shattered, as in their culture, virginity is highly prized and critical for a good marriage. In October 2010, 2,400 Sri Lankan and Indian workers went on strike demanding the removal of the alleged rapist, Anil. Classic's owner, Sanal Kumar, sent Anil away, but he returned after one month. Through the Institute/National Labor Committee's reports, the Ministry of Labor has been made aware of the sexual abuse as early as 2007, but has done nothing. The standard shift at Classic is 13 hours a day, six and seven days a week, with some 18 ½ hour shifts before the clothing must be shipped to the U.S. According to witness testimonies, workers are routinely cursed at, hit and shortchanged of their wages for failing to reach their mandatory production goals. To press the women to work faster, managers grope and fondle them. The workers - who are from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Egypt, earn a take-home wage of just 61 cents an hour. The workers are housed in primitive dorms lacking heat or hot water, but which are infested with bed bugs. The women have extremely limited freedom of movement and are allowed to leave the factory compound just one day a week for six hours. When they are forced to work through their weekly holiday, they may be allowed out just once or twice a month. The minimal efforts of Wal-Mart, Hanes and the other labels to monitor factory conditions at Classic have failed completely. Workers are threatened by management and forced to say that conditions are good. We are strongly urging representatives of the labels to join us in Jordan on Friday, June 17 for a large meeting with the Classic workers. It is our intention, along with the United Steelworkers and our women's rights colleagues in Sri Lanka, to rescue the women who have been victimized and return them safely home to their families. We expect Wal-Mart, Hanes and the other labels to pay significant compensation to the rape victims to restore some dignity to their lives. This is the least they can do. The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement has also failed over the last ten years to protect the basic rights of the 30,000 foreign guest workers sewing garments for export to the U.S. One Bangladeshi worker recently deported from the Classic factory told us today that, "all the workers of Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh...everybody will testify that Anil raped the Sri Lankan women. Everybody knows. In a safe place, the workers will testify." Preface Details: Pittsburgh, PA: Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, 2011. 82p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 2, 2011 at: http://www.globallabourrights.org/admin/reports/files/Content-Classic-0607-final.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Jordan URL: http://www.globallabourrights.org/admin/reports/files/Content-Classic-0607-final.pdf Shelf Number: 122251 Keywords: Female VictimsRapeSexual AbuseSexual Assault, Workers (Jordan) |
Author: Blanchfield, Luisa Title: International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues Summary: In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some research showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. U.S. policymakers have generally focused on specific types or circumstances of VAW rather than view it as a stand-alone issue. Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for international programs that address VAW, including human trafficking and female genital cutting. In addition, past and current Administrations have supported efforts to reduce international levels of VAW— though many of these activities are implemented as components of broader foreign aid initiatives. There is no U.S. government-wide coordination of anti-VAW efforts. Most agencies and departments do not track the cost or number of programs with VAW components. Therefore, it is unclear how much money the U.S. government, or individual agencies, spend annually on VAWrelated programs. Some experts have suggested that the U.S. government should re-examine, and perhaps enhance, current U.S. anti-VAW activities. They argue that VAW should not only be treated as a stand-alone human rights issue, but also be integrated into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms. Other observers are concerned with a perceived lack of coordination among U.S. government agencies and departments that address international violence against women. This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It outlines possible policy issues for the 112th Congress, including • the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs in addressing international VAW; • further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; • U.S. funding for anti-VAW activities worldwide, particularly in light of the global financial crisis, economic recession, and subsequent calls to reduce the U.S. budget deficit; and • strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities. Details: Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2011. 33p. Source: Internet Resource: RL34438: Accessed August 26, 2011 at: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34438_20110414.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34438_20110414.pdf Shelf Number: 122489 Keywords: Female VictimsViolence Against WomenViolent Crime |
Author: Kruttschnitt, Candace Title: Customer Satisfaction: Crime Victims’ Willingness to Call the Police Summary: Results from the original victimization survey conducted by the 1967 President’s Crime Commission and the most recent National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) indicate relatively little improvement in citizens’ willingness to call the police when they have been victimized, despite substantial improvements in police recruitment standards and the implementation of community policing. Using data from a sample of women offenders in Minneapolis, who have a low probability of being included in a NCVS, the authors explore who reports crimes to the police and the reasons given for failing to report being victimized. The analyses are confined to crimes of violence perpetrated by intimates, acquaintances, and strangers. Findings indicate both that NCVS data underestimate the extent of non-reporting and that in a substantial number of cases the police failed to respond to citizens’ reports. The authors consider both the practical and theoretical significance of these findings. Details: Washington, DC: Police Foundation, 2009. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Ideas in American Policing No. 12: Accessed October 5, 2011 at: http://www.policefoundation.org/pdf/Ideas_12.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://www.policefoundation.org/pdf/Ideas_12.pdf Shelf Number: 117748 Keywords: Female VictimsVictims of Crime (U.S.) |
Author: Amnesty International Title: Aftershocks: Women Speak Out Against Sexual Violence in Haiti's Camps Summary: The January 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti. Since the earthquake, the specific needs of girls and women living in camps relating to the prevention of and response to gender-based violence have been inadequate. The risk of rape and other forms of gender-based violence in Haiti's camps has increased dramatically in the past year. This report highlights the protection needs of women and girls in camps against the background of research undertaken by Amnesty International and other organizations on violence against women and girls after the earthquake. Details: London, UK: Amnesty International, 2011 Source: Internet Resource, AMR 36/001/2011: Accessed on December 8, 2011 at: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR36/001/2011/en/57237fad-f97b-45ce-8fdb-68cb457a304c/amr360012011en.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Haiti URL: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR36/001/2011/en/57237fad-f97b-45ce-8fdb-68cb457a304c/amr360012011en.pdf Shelf Number: 123533 Keywords: DisastersFemale VictimsRefugee CampsSexual Violence (Haiti) |
Author: Franklin, Cortney A. Title: Risk Factors Associated with Women’s Victimization Summary: The prevalence of victimization on college campuses has been the focus of study for decades. Research indicates that campus crime is relatively problematic, but that sexual assault risk is epidemic. Specifically, prevalence estimates have suggested that 25 percent of college women will experience attempted or completed rape during their college career.1 More recent work has reported incidents rates that range from 15 to 30 percent.2, 3, 4 This study focused on women’s routine activities and levels of self-control as they related to property, personal, and sexual assault victimization. The findings indicated that: • Decreases in self-control produced increases in victimization for college women • The risk of property victimization increased when women spent more time shopping and partying. Additionally, living off campus, participation in drug sales, and being in their early years of college increased property victimization risk among these University women • Personal victimization was not so much related to spending time away from home, but was related to living off campus and participating in drug sales behavior • The risk of sexual assault victimization increased with time spent on campus and time spent partying The results presented in this report provide important implications for crime prevention strategies on Texas college campuses. Details: Huntsville, TX: Crime Victims' Institute, Sam Houston State University, Criminal Justice Center, 2011. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 12, 2012 at: http://www.crimevictimsinstitute.org/documents/Risk%20Factors%20Final%20Print.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.crimevictimsinstitute.org/documents/Risk%20Factors%20Final%20Print.pdf Shelf Number: 123557 Keywords: Campus CrimeColleges and UniversitiesFemale VictimsSex CrimesSexual AssaultVictims of Crime |
Author: Taylor, Alice Title: Women and the City: Examining the Gender Impact of Violence and Urbanisation. A Comparative Study of Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Liberia and Nepal Summary: Utilising the participatory methodology of safety audits developed and tested by a range of organisations in the “safe cities movement”, the report looks into the lives of groups of women whose knowledge and views of their urban realities is central to creating safer cities. These include garment workers from urban factory areas in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, women attending universities in and around Monrovia in Liberia, and women informal vendors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to name a few. The research explores the ways violence and insecurity limit poor urban women’s mobility and their participation in society. Urbanisation can bring new opportunities, particularly in relation to employment and participation in organised groups. However, it also brings many challenges. Across the world, women experience violence or the fear of violence on a daily basis, travelling to and from work, taking their children to schools and travelling to and from markets. Moreover, urban men and women experience violence differently. They also experience and perceive protection and safety differently. Analysing these differences is a central first step to guaranteeing women’s rights to freedom from violence or the threat of violence in urban areas. From an urban planning perspective, cities often struggle to maintain services and infrastructure that adequately meet the needs and are within reach of their growing populations. Specific barriers are experienced by the poor and particularly by poor women. In this research, the challenges faced by women often reflect the safety and health consequences that some migrants face in the process of rural to urban migration, such as lack of access to decent work opportunities, poor access to services and inadequate transportation. However, only too often, the challenges faced by women in cities are interpreted or excused as women’s fault, rather than the result of urban design that fails to take into account gendered impacts. For example, such violence may be excused on the basis of a woman’s choice of dress or her decision to travel alone, at night, unaccompanied by a male. Examining the gender impacts of urbanisation is central to informing programmes and policies that reflect women’s realities and promote women’s right to the city. Details: Johannesburg, South Africa: ActionAid, 2011. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 13, 2012 at: http://www.actionaid.org/publications/women-and-city-examining-gender-impact-violence-and-urbanisation Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.actionaid.org/publications/women-and-city-examining-gender-impact-violence-and-urbanisation Shelf Number: 123613 Keywords: Fear of CrimeFemale VictimsUrban CrimeUrban DesignViolence Against WomenViolent Crime |
Author: Lăzăroiu, Sebastian Title: Who is the Next Victim? Vulnerability of Young Romanian Women to Trafficking in Human Beings Summary: Romania is one of the main countries of origin in South Eastern Europe for victims of trafficking, most of whom are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The number of trafficking cases and their dynamics in Romania over the last few years speak of a reality that has already settled in.Could anybody become a victim of trafficking? Is just any woman a potential victim of trafficking? The answers to these questions can be useful instruments to fight trafficking from the ground and to organize prevention efforts. Knowing who the potential victims are can also assist the law enforcement with the profiling of traffickers after their victims.Who are these unlucky migrants? Who are the women who end up in a trap as forced prostitutes? What exactly makes one person more vulnerable to trafficking than another? This paper will try to provide some answers. It will look not only at individual attributes, but also at environmental factors - the family and the community, since the way young women grow up or the way school and family instil values and attitudes in the young are crucial for their future success or failure. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: IOM International Organization for Migration, 2003. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed on January 22, 2012 at http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/free/Who_Next_Victim.pdf Year: 2003 Country: Romania URL: http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/free/Who_Next_Victim.pdf Shelf Number: 123730 Keywords: Female VictimsHuman Trafficking (Romania) |
Author: Dedel, Kelly Title: Sexual Assault of Women by Strangers Summary: This guide begins by describing the problem of sexual assault of women by strangers and reviewing factors that increase its risks. It then lists a series of questions to help you analyze your local sexual assault problem. Finally, it reviews responses to the problem and what is known about them from evaluative research and police practice. Sexual assault of women by strangers is but one aspect of the larger set of sexual violence related problems. This guide is limited to addressing the particular harms sexual assaults by strangers cause women. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2011. 64p. Source: Problem-Specific Guides Series, Problem-Oriented Guides for Police No. 62, Internet Resource: Accessed on February 3, 2012 at http://www.popcenter.org/problems/pdfs/sex_assault_women.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.popcenter.org/problems/pdfs/sex_assault_women.pdf Shelf Number: 123925 Keywords: Community Oriented PolicingFemale VictimsPolice ResponseSexual Assault |
Author: Towers, Jude Title: Measuring the impact of cuts in public expenditure on the provision of services to prevent violence against women and girls Summary: A report by leading academic Professor Sylvia Walby, UNESCO Chair in Gender Research, and Jude Towers at Lancaster University, raises concern about the implications of public expenditure reductions for the provision of local violence against women services. This report, commissioned by the Northern Rock Foundation and Trust for London, examines the impact of public expenditure cuts on services to prevent violence against women and girls. The data was drawn from around 20 published and previously unpublished sources. Details: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom: Northern Rock Foundation, 2012. 58p. Source: Report for Northern Rock Foundation and Trust for London: Internet Resource: Accessed on February 3, 2012 at http://www.nr-foundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Measuring-the-impact-of-cuts-in-public-expenditure-on-the-provision-of-services-to-prevent-violence-against-women-and-girls-Full-Report-2.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.nr-foundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Measuring-the-impact-of-cuts-in-public-expenditure-on-the-provision-of-services-to-prevent-violence-against-women-and-girls-Full-Report-2.pdf Shelf Number: 123940 Keywords: Crime PreventionExpenditures in Criminal JusticeFemale VictimsViolent Crime |
Author: Benini, Aldo Title: After the guns fall silent: Sexual and gender-based violence in Timor-Leste Summary: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a pervasive global phenomenon, but is often a politically sensitive and unacknowledged issue. It has serious consequences for the physical, reproductive, and psychological health and social well-being of individuals. It also reflects and reinforces inequalities between men and women. SGBV is increasingly regarded as an impediment to the economic and social development of states. This Issue Brief considers the scale and magnitude of SGBV directed against women and girls in Timor-Leste. It considers the culture of impunity that pervades the country around SGBV and impedes progress on this issue; the lack of ‘enjoyment’ of human rights by women and girls due to SGBV; and the systematic failure of the security and justice system to tackle violations. Focusing on both the pre- and post-independence eras, it synthesizes the evidence to help identify entry points for the prevention and reduction of SGBV. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment, Small Arms Survey, 2009. 8p. Source: TLAVA Issue Brief No. 5: Internet Resource: Accessed February 3, 2012 at http://www.timor-leste-violence.org/pdfs/Timor-Leste-Violence-IB5-ENGLISH.pdf Year: 2009 Country: International URL: http://www.timor-leste-violence.org/pdfs/Timor-Leste-Violence-IB5-ENGLISH.pdf Shelf Number: 123948 Keywords: Female VictimsGender Based ViolenceSexual Violence (Timor-Leste) |
Author: Thiara, Ravi K. Title: Domestic Violence, Child Contact and Post-Separation Violence: Issues for South Asian and African-Caribbean Women and Children: a Report of Findings Summary: This report details research undertaken with South Asian and African-Caribbean mothers who had experienced domestic violence and have since separated from their partners. The research reviews the knowledge base around domestic violence and child contact and looks at the particular issues experienced by women in these communities. It reports on the findings from interviews with 19 children, 45 women, and 71 professionals. Details: London: NSPCC - National Society for the Prevention of Cruely to Children, 2012. 160p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 3, 2012 at This report details research undertaken with South Asian and African-Caribbean mothers who had experienced domestic violence and have since separated from their partners. The research reviews the knowledge base around domestic violence and child contact and looks at the particular issues experienced by women in these communities. It reports on the findings from interviews with 19 children, 45 women, and 71 professionals. Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 123953 Keywords: Children, Crimes AgainstDomestic Violence (U.K.)Female VictimsJuvenile VictimsMinority Groups |
Author: Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA) Title: The Anti-Trafficking Program in Rural Nepal: Assessment of Change in Awareness and Communication among Adolescent Girls, Peers and Parents in Baglung District, 2002 - An Endline Survey Summary: In recent years, millions of women and girls have been trafficked across national borders and within countries. The global trafficking industry generates an estimated US$5 to 7 billion each year, more than the profits generated by the arms and narcotics trades (Widgren 1994). Over the last decade, the growing trafficking problem in South Asia has been particularly acute in Nepal, one of the least developed countries in the world, with 42 percent of its citizens living below the poverty line. While there are no reliable data on the magnitude of the trafficking problem in Nepal, the most widely quoted sources estimate that 5,000 to 7,000 girls are trafficked from Nepal to India and other neighbouring countries every year, primarily for prostitution: 200,000 Nepali girls and women currently are working in the sex industry in India (UNIFEM 1998, UNICEF 1997). Another study postulates that 20,000 minors are brought into India from Nepal for sex work every year (Haemeed 1997). The occurrence of trafficking in Nepal is generally attributed to widespread poverty, lack of female education, low status of girls and women and social disparities rooted in ethnic and caste groupings. Women living in an environment of restricted rights and limited personal freedom with few employment opportunities may decide that out-migration is their only hope for achieving economic independence and a higher standard of living. Those who are victimized by traffickers experience abuse, exploitation and greater vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The effort to abolish trafficking in Nepal intensified after the restoration of democracy in 1990. Since then, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations have started initiating programs to address and combat trafficking of girls. Details: Kathmandu, Nepal: Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), 2003. 88p. Source: Final Draft Report: Internet Resource: Accessed February 10, 2012 at http://www.childtrafficking.com/Docs/crehpa_2003__anti_trafficki.pdf Year: 2003 Country: Nepal URL: http://www.childtrafficking.com/Docs/crehpa_2003__anti_trafficki.pdf Shelf Number: 124070 Keywords: Crime Prevention ProgramsFemale VictimsHuman Trafficking (Nepal)Juvenile Victims |
Author: Iceland. Ministry of Welfare. Title: Male Violence against Women in Intimate Relationships in Iceland - Report of the Minister of Welfare (Excerpts) Summary: In 2006, the Icelandic government adopted an action plan for measures to combat violence against women in intimate relationships, based on the concept that violence against women affects everyone in society and will not be tolerated. The objective of the plan was to prevent violence against women, to enhance options for women that are subjected to violence and their children, and help men to cease violent behavior. In 2010 a report of the Minister of Welfare on measures under the government initiative regarding male violence against women in intimate relationships was published. The report is a result of a research project on violence in intimate relationships that was carried out in 2008 to 2010. Proposals for government measures and excerpt of the report follow. Details: Reykjavik, Iceland: Ministry of Welfare, 2012. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 18, 2012 at http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.is/media/rit-og-skyrslur2012/Ofbeldi_gegn_konum_enska_feb_2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Iceland URL: http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.is/media/rit-og-skyrslur2012/Ofbeldi_gegn_konum_enska_feb_2012.pdf Shelf Number: 124178 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsIntimate Partner ViolenceViolence Against Women (Iceland) |
Author: Davies, John Title: 'My Name is Not Natasha' How Albania Women in France Use Trafficking to Overcome Social Exclusion (1998-2001) Summary: This book analyses and explains a trafficking crisis experienced by a group of Albanian women in Lyon, France, between 1998 and 2001. The book proposes new theoretical explanations for Albanian trafficking that considers women’s experiences of social stigma and exclusion as becoming the main reason for Albanian women being involved in trafficking, after an initial period when young women were mainly deceived into abusive relationships that were then used to coerce them into forced labour. The Albanian trafficking discourse is currently dominated by the idea that Roma and rural women experiencing poverty and social disadvantage are coerced or deceived into trafficking networks that move them across borders and reduce them to sexual slavery because of the ‘demand’ of men for paid sex. This book argues that the conceptualisation that considers trafficking as being best explained by the ‘demand’ of men for paid sex and the naivety of the trafficked women is inadequate for explaining many of the trafficking experiences reported by the Albanian women in Lyon. This book contends that many women were initially deceived into marriage with men who then exploited them; these deceived wives were subjugated through the exploitation of patrilocal marriages that invested in the husband the ability to make non-altruistic household decisions. This meant that their migration could be understood by refining the new economics of migration model and the role of non-altruistic actors who might exploit its processes. Once the nature of trafficking networks became well-known Albanian women increasingly refused to accept such marriages. However, because other Albanian women lacked social networks able to support them in their migration goals, many socially excluded divorced women began to use the trafficking networks as a mobility strategy in pursuit of migration goals beyond prostitution. The book thus argues that many trafficked women were not motivated to migrate because of economic considerations but by a determination to achieve social rehabilitation through foreign marriage. These women wanted to chain migrate but their weak social networks could not sustain their intended migration. Therefore, these women used trafficking as a means to reach destinations where they could build new networks and strengthen their old social networks. Then they would eventually re-engage with their social networks without being an onerous burden. This is a new analysis based on previously unknown data and so the book is original and adds to our knowledge regarding trafficking as a means to pursue chain migration goals by compensating for inadequate social networks through the use of trafficking networks. The book concludes that rather than being best explained by ‘demand’ as a focal problem trafficking can be better understood by considering trafficking as a gendered aspect of crisis in a migration order in transition. This extension of Van Hear’s migration order theory is also a new application of the subjective notion of intolerability as being a substantial motivation for migration. Details: Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2009. 325p. Source: IMISCOE Dissertations: Internet Resource: Accessed February 29, 2012 at http://dare.uva.nl/document/174696 Year: 2009 Country: International URL: http://dare.uva.nl/document/174696 Shelf Number: 124330 Keywords: Female VictimsForced LaborForced MarriageHuman Traffikcing (France)ImmigrationSex Work |
Author: Amnesty International Title: Gender and Torture: Conference Report Summary: Torture has been widely viewed in the past in terms of pain and suffering inflicted on a person – usually assumed to be male – in the custody of the state. However, this narrow understanding excludes many forms of severe pain and suffering deliberately inflicted on women and girls. It fails to recognize as torture crimes such as rape, domestic violence, targeted rape of lesbians, violence committed in the name of “honour” and also the infliction of severe pain and suffering through denial of reproductive rights. Such crimes are committed not only by agents of the state, but also by non-state actors with the acquiescence of the state. This report summarizes a two-day conference on the gender dimensions of the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Held in London in May 2011, the conference brought together representatives of NGOs and academics from around the world. They reflected on the role of the legal framework on torture in achieving justice and in holding states to account. Their findings are of interest to everyone concerned to clarify the law on torture and to ensure that as the law evolves, victims and survivors benefit and are able to seek an effective remedy. Details: London: Amnesty International and REDRESS, 2011. 57p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 10, 2012 at http://www.redress.org/downloads/publications/GenderandTortureConferenceReport-191011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.redress.org/downloads/publications/GenderandTortureConferenceReport-191011.pdf Shelf Number: 124425 Keywords: Female VictimsGender ViolenceTortureVictims of Crime |
Author: Balloni, Augusto Title: Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime: Country Report Italy Summary: The results of this research, and especially the interviews with stakeholders within and outwith the universities, clearly reveal the difficulty of defining the nature and the extent of the phenomenon. The parties involved cannot say how often the University of Bologna’s female students may have encountered problems with stalking, harassment or sexual violence, due to a lack of incontrovertible data on the phenomenon. There is no formal documentation regarding episodes or elements connected with the cases that have occurred within the university or requests for assistance on the part of students in difficulty. Indeed, many interviewees believe that the target, the reference sample, is too specific, in that it covers a sector of the population - female university students – that is not easy to identify, because even when a victim formally reports the crime to the police, detailed information on the victim is often not available. If the offence is not reported, and the victim decides instead to confide in family or friends, this information will be even more difficult to find; and even if the student turns to a specialised centre against gender violence, the fact she is a university student has little bearing on the collection of statistical data. Details: Bochum, Germany: Ruhr-University Bochum, 2012. 32p. Source: EU-Project 2009-2011: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2012 at http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_italy_english.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Italy URL: http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_italy_english.pdf Shelf Number: 124574 Keywords: Colleges and UniversitiesFear of CrimeFemale VictimsGender-Based ViolenceSexual ViolenceStalking |
Author: Czapska, Janina Title: Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime Summary: Due to their age and lifestyle, female students as a group are especially at risk from various forms of sexual violence – the aim of the three-year European-wide research project “Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime” (2009-2011) is to verify this hypothesis and to collect, analyse and compare relevant data in five European countries. By analysing the qualitative and quantitative data in a comparative survey it aims to rising awareness for the victimisation of female students. In the consequence this will support universities in their efforts to decrease sexual violence at universities, to help victims and to implement adequate instruments of prevention and intervention. The EU project, which has been funded through the programme “Prevention of and Fight Against Crime” initiated by the EU Commission on General Justice, Freedom And Security, is being coordinated at the Department of Criminology at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Besides the German university the consortium covers the University of Bologna, Jagiellonian University in Cracow/Poland, Universitát Autonoma de Barcelona/Spain and Keele University/U.K. This research conducted within the framework of GAP grant project was the first of this scale and nature in Poland. Research in this area should continue in the form of cyclical polling research in universities/institutions of higher education that are participating in the project. It is also recommended to further expand the existing questionnaire for its application in other institutions 57 of higher education. Conducting research in a few countries at the same time allows deepening of the analysis. Due to the introduction of criminalization of stalking in 2011, it would be most desirable to conduct European comparative research both in the area of legal regulations as well in the practical application of the law. Such research – in addition to an unquestionable knowledge-building value – would provide a unique opportunity to analyze innovation through law, especially since – as suggest the results of the GAP project – European countries differ in their recognition of stalking as a crime. Details: Bochum, Germany: Ruhr-University Bochum, 2012. 59p. Source: EU-Project 2009-2011: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2012 at http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_poland_english.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Poland URL: http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_poland_english.pdf Shelf Number: 124575 Keywords: Colleges and UniversitiesFear of CrimeFemale VictimsGender-Based ViolenceSexual ViolenceStalking |
Author: Bodelon, Encarna Title: Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime: Country Report Spain Summary: Due to their age and lifestyle, female students as a group are especially at risk from various forms of sexual violence – the aim of the three-year European-wide research project “Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime” (2009-2011) is to verify this hypothesis and to collect, analyse and compare relevant data in five European countries. By analysing the qualitative and quantitative data in a comparative survey it aims to rising awareness for the victimisation of female students. In the consequence this will support universities in their efforts to decrease sexual violence at universities, to help victims and to implement adequate instruments of prevention and intervention. The EU project, which has been funded through the programme “Prevention of and Fight Against Crime” initiated by the EU Commission on General Justice, Freedom And Security, is being coordinated at the Department of Criminology at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Besides the German university the consortium covers the University of Bologna, Jagiellonian University in Cracow/Poland, Universitát Autonoma de Barcelona/Spain and Keele University/U.K.. Most of the recommendations and proposals derived from the research in the Spanish case were obtained from the qualitative fieldwork. Many similar proposals were made in the discussion groups and in-depth interviews with the students and interviews with the agents. However, in the case of the students, there was a high degree of consensus that university authorities, and those outside the university, had a responsibility and obligation to implement preventive and response measures against gender-based violence in general, and sexual violence in particular. However, in the case of those stakeholders interviewed, their ignorance of the phenomenon and its incidence and causes, means that many are not able to clearly see this responsibility, or to propose measures to prevent it or act upon it in the university. Details: Bochum, Germany: Ruhr-University Bochum, 2012. 38p. Source: EU-Project 2009-2011: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2012 at http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_spain_english.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Spain URL: http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_spain_english.pdf Shelf Number: 124576 Keywords: Colleges and UniversitiesFear of CrimeFemale VictimsGender-Based ViolenceSexual ViolenceStalking |
Author: Stenning, Philip Title: Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime: Country Report United Kingdom Summary: Due to their age and lifestyle, female students as a group are especially at risk from various forms of sexual violence – the aim of the three-year European-wide research project “Gender-based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime” (2009-2011) is to verify this hypothesis and to collect, analyse and compare relevant data in five European countries. By analysing the qualitative and quantitative data in a comparative survey it aims to rising awareness for the victimisation of female students. In the consequence this will support universities in their efforts to decrease sexual violence at universities, to help victims and to implement adequate instruments of prevention and intervention. The EU project, which has been funded through the programme “Prevention of and Fight Against Crime” initiated by the EU Commission on General Justice, Freedom And Security, is being coordinated at the Department of Criminology at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Besides the German university the consortium covers the University of Bologna, Jagiellonian University in Cracow/Poland, Universitát Autonoma de Barcelona/Spain and Keele University/U.K.. The UK NUS (2010) study has suggested that in order to raise awareness, challenge inappropriate behaviour and attitudes and make students feel safe on campus, awareness of violence against women must be raised amongst staff and students. Sloane (2011) has suggested that student unions, potentially via equality officers, take responsibility for running educational campaigns, and that such campaigns should be commonplace. Campaigns should include information around the acts that constitute gender-based sexual violence, the accountability of perpetrators, its prevalence and impacts on survivors (NUS, 2010; Sloane, 2011). Such work is likely to help faculty staff, women and friends who are told about victimising experiences recognise how to respond effectively. Sloane (2011) suggested that such training be made available to all staff throughout the university, to ensure they are made aware of the relevant institutional policies and procedures on how to address harassment and violence when it is reported. Indeed, the NUS (2010) argued that gender-based sexual violence issues must be supported by strong institutional policy on the topic. Policy must be linked to meaningful outcomes, such as reducing instances of harassment, abuse and stalking, through educational or rehabilitation methods. Policy must also address the actions that institutions will take against perpetrators and specify how they will be supported to address their behaviour. Other recommendations made by the NUS (2010) study and closely echoed in the recommendations of Sloane (2011), include ensuring there are clear channels of communication for reporting offences to the university/police and for seeking counselling and support. Counselling services should provide a free, quality service which 35% 42% 43% 43% 46% 56% 59% 61% 75% 88% To be advised without a third party To have a person allocated to me To be advised without bureaucracy To be advised anonymously To be able to contact someone 24 hrs a day To get an appointment straight away To be treated with compassion No pressure into making a complaint To be advised for free To be listened to and taken seriously Students' wishes (n=626) 45 ensures confidentiality, 24-hour cover, female support workers and is easily accessible. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring women feel believed when they relay their accounts and that the university can effectively refer to other agencies if need cannot be met by the institution. As such, strong links between universities, student unions, police, National Health Services and victim services must be developed and fostered. The NUS also recommend peer-led self-help groups for those who have experienced victimisation as well as the option of one-to-one counselling. The support services that are available need to be widely promoted and contact information should be included on student union websites (NUS, 2010; Valls et al., 2007). Services must also remain sensitive to the particular needs of international students including language barriers and religious factors which may impact on the victimisation experience (Sloane, 2011). Details: Bochum, Germany: Ruhr-University Bochum, 2012. 50p. Source: EU-Project 2009-2011: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2012 at http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_united_kingdom_english.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://vmrz0183.vm.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/gendercrime/pdf/gendercrime_country_report_united_kingdom_english.pdf Shelf Number: 124577 Keywords: Colleges and UniversitiesFear of CrimeFemale VictimsGender-Based ViolenceSexual ViolenceStalking |
Author: Rana, Sheetal Title: Addressing Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Critical Issues for Culturally Competent Services Summary: mmigrant women as a social category are a diverse group. In the U.S., there are approximately 18 million women and girls who have emigrated from many countries around the world, under a myriad of circumstances, and with different types of immigration status (American Community Survey, 2008). They are from various socio-economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Their age, sexual orientation, individual abilities, and levels of acculturation to the mainstream society vary. Amidst this diversity, immigrant women may share experiences, everyday realities, and a collective identity as immigrants, making them different from the mainstream society. These differences and similarities among immigrant women pose challenges in offering services to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, as well as highlight the importance of culturally competent services. Central to culturally competent domestic violence services to immigrant women is an in-depth understanding of domestic violence in immigrant communities. Cultural competence is a process that involves individual practitioners and systems responding to their clients in ways that recognize, value, and respect the clients’ cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors (NASW National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, 2001; Rothman, 2008). In offering culturally competent domestic violence services to immigrant women, knowledge about socio-economic, cultural, and political contexts within which immigrant women experience domestic violence can be a useful guide. Such knowledge may contribute to the development and implementation of policies, programs, and approaches that respectfully as well as effectively respond to the unique and specific needs of immigrant survivors. With this purpose in mind, this paper focuses on what we can learn from existing research on immigrant women and domestic violence. This paper is organized into three sections: 1) overview of methodological issues in research used to generate knowledge of the nature and dynamics of domestic violence in immigrant communities; 2) research findings that help us understand the broad contexts within which immigrant women experience domestic violence; and 3) considerations for culturally competent services. Legal protections available for immigrant women survivors are discussed in another VAWnet Applied Research document by Shetty and Kaguyutan (2002) and, therefore, are not discussed in this paper. The terms “immigrant women survivors,” “immigrant survivors,” and “survivors” are used throughout this paper to refer to immigrant women who survive domestic violence. Details: National Online Resource Harrisburg, PA: Center on Violence Against Women, 2012. 11p. Source: VAWnet.org Applied Research: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2012 at http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_DVImmigrantComm.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_DVImmigrantComm.pdf Shelf Number: 124671 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsImmigrantsVictim Services |
Author: Pierce, Alexandra (Sandi) Title: New language, old problem: Sex trafficking of American Indian women and children Summary: The selling of North America’s indigenous women and children for sexual purposes has been an ongoing practice since the colonial era. There is evidence that early British surveyors and settlers viewed Native women’s sexual and reproductive freedom as proof of their “innate” impurity, and that many assumed the right to kidnap, rape, and prostitute Native women and girls without consequence (see Deer, 2010; Fischer, 2001; Smith, 2003; Waselkov & Braund, 1995). Today, major centers for sex trafficking include cities near rural, high-poverty First Nations reserves, American Indian reservations, and Alaskan Native communities.1 The FBI recently noted, “There have been traffickers and pimps who specifically target Native girls because they feel that they’re versatile and they can post them [online] as Hawaiian, as Native, as Asian, as you name it” (Hopkins, 2010). The U.S. and Canada have only recently classified human trafficking as a form of slavery subject to major penalties. In 2000, the U.S. passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), the first nation to criminalize human trafficking. One section of the TVPA focuses explicitly on sex trafficking, making it illegal to “recruit, entice, or obtain a person to engage in commercial sex acts, or to benefit from such activities” (see18 U.S.C. § 1591 and 22 U.S.C. § 7101, 7102, and 7105). Also in 2000, Canada, the U.S., and 115 other nations signed the United Nations Convention of Member States’ Palermo Trafficking Protocol, which criminalized sex and labor trafficking. Canada ratified the Protocol in 2002, and the U.S. did so in 2005 (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2008). As of August 2011, forty U.S. states had also passed sex trafficking legislation (Polaris Project, 2011). This legal reframing of the sale of human beings for sexual purposes has resulted in new research and new efforts to address it. In our discussion, we summarize published materials on the commercial sexual exploitation of indigenous women and children in the U.S. and Canada and the legal issues related to their protection. We begin with a brief discussion of the unique vulnerability of Native women and children. This is followed by a summary of research with Native women and girls in the sex trade. Next, we discuss gaps in legal protections and victims support services. Drawing on these, we conclude with implications for professionals. Details: Harrisburg, PA: National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women, 2011. 15p. Source: VAW.net Applied Research: Accessed March 23, 2012 at http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_NativeSexTrafficking.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://www.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_NativeSexTrafficking.pdf Shelf Number: 124720 Keywords: Adult VictimsAmerican IndiansFemale VictimsJuvenile VictimsSex Trafficking |
Author: Barr, Heather Title: “I Had To Run Away” The Imprisonment of Women and Girls for “Moral Crimes” in Afghanistan Summary: The fall of the Taliban government promised a new era for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Ten years later there have been many improvements, but Afghan women are often still denied their basic human rights. One example is the plight of an estimated 400 women and girls imprisoned for the “moral crimes” of “running away” (fleeing home without permission) and zina (sex outside marriage). While Afghan law does not prohibit “running away,” the Afghan government and courts treat women and girls who do so as criminals. Zina is a crime in Afghanistan, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. “I Had To Run Away,” based on 58 prison interviews, tells the stories behind “moral crimes” arrests. It shows that these “crimes” usually involve flight from abuse, including forced and underage marriage, domestic violence, rape, forced prostitution, kidnapping, and murder threats. Women and girls accused of “moral crimes” encounter a justice system that is biased against them at every stage. Many receive long prison sentences while their abusers walk free, despite a 2009 law making violence against women a crime. Prosecuting “moral crimes” harms not only the hundreds of women and girls imprisoned, but sends a message to others enduring abuse that they risk both reprisals from their abusers and punishment from a government that should protect them. As the international community winds down its involvement in Afghanistan, Afghan women face an uncertain fate. The imprisonment of women and girls for “moral crimes” is one sign of the difficult present and the frightening future they face. Afghanistan’s international partners should act quickly to ensure that part of their legacy is greater physical and legal protection for women and girls. Details: New York: Human Rights Watch, 2012. 129p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 3, 2012 at: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/afghanistan0312webwcover_0.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Afghanistan URL: http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/afghanistan0312webwcover_0.pdf Shelf Number: 124809 Keywords: Female VictimsHuman Rights (Afghanistan) |
Author: Emerton, Robyn Title: Trafficking of Women into Hong Kong for the Purpose of Prostitution: Preliminary Research Findings Summary: The issue of trafficking of women for the purpose of prostitution has been a matter of international concern since the turn of the 19th century, when several international conventions on “white slavery” were adopted. Recently there have been renewed efforts to address the issue of trafficking in women at the international and regional level, largely prompted by the work of non-governmental organisations, which have brought to light the huge numbers of women involved and the extent of the human rights abuses they suffer. The trafficking of women for the purposes of prostitution into certain parts of Asia, in particular into Thailand, India and Japan, is now relatively well-documented. However, there is very little information available on the trafficking of women into Hong Kong. This study is an attempt to correct that, although, given the “hidden” nature of the problem and the time and difficulties involved in obtaining primary information, it must be regarded very much as a preliminary study, but one which is intended to provide the foundation for further work in the future. The study first considers some of the definitional problems which continue to plague the discussion of trafficking in women, in particular within the context of international law developments (Part II). It then turns to Hong Kong‟s domestic law and Hong Kong‟s international and regional obligations (Part III). On the basis of information available, the various situations of non-local women who have been recruited to work in the Hong Kong sex industry are described. The report considers whether these women are, or might be, victims of trafficking, both under Hong Kong law, which is based on a traditional concept of trafficking, and under a more modern definition of trafficking (Part IV). This is followed by a review of the approach taken by the Hong Kong authorities to the issue of trafficking (Part V). Finally, the report makes some observations and recommendations in relation to the position in Hong Kong (Part VI). Details: Hong Kong: Centre for Comparative and Public Law, University of Hong Kong, 2001. 69p. Source: Occasional Paper No. 3: Internet Resource: Accessed May 6, 2012 at http://www.law.hku.hk/ccpl/pub/Documents/paper3.pdf Year: 2001 Country: Hong Kong URL: http://www.law.hku.hk/ccpl/pub/Documents/paper3.pdf Shelf Number: 125163 Keywords: Female VictimsHuman SmugglingHuman Trafficking (Hong Kong)Prostitution (Hong Kong)Sex Trafficking (Hong Kong)Transnational Crime |
Author: The Protection Project Title: Reporting on the Status of Trafficking in Women in Accordance with Article 6 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: Guidelines on the Interpretation of the Text of Article 6 of the Convention Summary: Article 6 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) reads as follows: "States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of prostitution of women." Article 6 lays the foundation for combating trafficking in women and exploitation of women for the purpose of prostitution and calls upon state parties to adopt all necessary measures to prevent the acts of trafficking and exploitation of prostitution of women. Consequently, state parties to the Convention, when reporting on Article 6 should cover the status of trafficking in women as well as exploitation of women in prostitution. In doing so, they must refer to all appropriate measures that they have taken including legislative measures. This publication includes a list of guidelines on interpreting the text of and reporting on Article 6 of the Convention. Details: Washington, DC: The Protection Project at Johns Hopkins University, 2012. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 13, 2012 at http://www.protectionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Guidelines-Art-6-CEDAW_Final1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://www.protectionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Guidelines-Art-6-CEDAW_Final1.pdf Shelf Number: 126014 Keywords: DiscriminationFemale VictimsHuman TraffickingSexual Exploitation |
Author: Buchanan, Kim S. Title: Engendering Rape Summary: This Article highlights a systematic bias in the academic, correctional, and human rights discourse that constitutes the basis for prison rape policy reform. This discourse focuses almost exclusively on sexual abuse perpetrated by men: sexual abuse of male prisoners by fellow inmates, and sexual abuse of women prisoners by male staff. But since 2007, survey and correctional data have indicated that the main perpetrators of prison sexual abuse seem to be women. In men’s facilities, inmates report much more sexual victimization by female staff than by male inmates; in women’s facilities, inmates report much higher rates of sexual abuse by fellow inmates than by male or female staff. These findings contravene conventional gender expectations, and are barely acknowledged in contemporary prison rape discourse, leading to policy decisions that are too sanguine about the likelihood of female-perpetrated sexual victimization. The selective blindness of prison rape discourse to counter-stereotypical forms of abuse illuminates a pattern of reasoning I describe as “stereotype reconciliation,” an unintentional interpretive trend by which surprising, counter-stereotypical facts are reconciled with conventional gender expectations. The authors of prison rape discourse tend to ignore these counter-stereotypical facts or to invoke alternative stereotypes, such as heterosexist notions of romance or racialized rape tropes, in ways that tend to rationalize their neglect of counter-stereotypical forms of abuse and reconcile those abuses with conventional expectations of masculine domination and feminine submission. Details: Los Angeles, CA: University of Southern California Gould School of Law, 2012. 60p. Source: Legal Studies Working Paper Series Paper 93: Internet Resource: Accessed October 15, 2012 at http://law.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1228&context=usclwps-lss&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dengendering%2520rape%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D2%26ved%3D0CCkQFjAB%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flaw.bepress.com%252Fcgi%252Fviewcontent.cgi%253Farticle%253D1228%2526context%253Dusclwps-lss%26ei%3DWaB8UM37EsKB0AH9tYDQDQ%26usg%3DAFQjCNGUFk7KqCHUNKrSI7jElZK993YZrw#search=%22engendering%20rape%22 Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://law.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1228&context=usclwps-lss&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dengendering%2520rape%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D2%26ved%3D0CCkQFjAB%26url%3 Shelf Number: 126744 Keywords: Abuse of InmatesCorrectional Institutions, Sexual MisconductCorrections Officers, Sexual MisconductFemale VictimsMale VictimsPrison RapeRapeStaff-Inmate Relations |
Author: Thiara, Ravi K. Title: Vital Statistics 2 Key Findings Report on Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee Women's and Children's Experiences of Gender-Based Violence Summary: The report provides key findings from Imkaan’s Toolkit; a monitoring framework piloted with ten violence against women and girls (VAWG) organisations over a 3 month period. The monitoring tool captured data on Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) women’s and children’s access to specialist BMER services and other voluntary and statutory services. The findings provide a picture of the role and impact of specialist BMER VAWG services, with the aim to contribute to more informed policy and practice on BMER women and girls in the context of VAWG. Note: The findings from the first Toolkit pilot, Vital Statistics: The experiences of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee women and children facing violence and abuse, were published in 2010. Details: London: Imkaan, 2012. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 12, 2012 at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/85173313/Vital%20Statistics%20Two%202012%20%28Low%20res%29.pdf Year: 2012 Country: International URL: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/85173313/Vital%20Statistics%20Two%202012%20%28Low%20res%29.pdf Shelf Number: 126928 Keywords: Female VictimsGender-Based ViolenceJuvenile VictimsMinority Groups |
Author: Great Britain. Ministry of Justice Title: Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System 2011 Summary: This report provides information about how females and males were represented in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in the most recent year for which data were available, and, wherever possible, across the last five years. Section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 requires the Government to publish statistical data to assess whether any discrimination exists in how the CJS treats people based on their gender. These statistics are used by policy makers, the agencies who comprise the CJS and others (e.g. academics) to monitor differences between females and males, and to highlight areas where practitioners and others may wish to undertake more in-depth analysis. The identification of differences should not be equated with discrimination as there are many reasons why apparent disparities may exist. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2012. 160p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 26, 2012 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal-justice-stats/women-cjs-2011/statistics-women-cjs-2011-v2.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal-justice-stats/women-cjs-2011/statistics-women-cjs-2011-v2.pdf Shelf Number: 127007 Keywords: Crime StatisticsFemale CrimeFemale Offenders (U.K.)Female StaffFemale VictimsFemales |
Author: ActionAid Title: Women and the City II: Combating Violence Against Women and Girls in Urban Public Spaces - The Role of Public Services Summary: It is now well recognized that women and girls around the world face violence, sexual harassment and abuse in many of the spaces that they inhabit – their homes, workplaces, educational institutes, on streets and on public transport. Women’s fear of violence restricts their movement, limiting their use of public spaces, their movement from their homes and as a result, their full enjoyment of a range of human rights. ActionAid is working in different countries to make cities safe for women and girls through its Safe Cities Initiative.This initiative is founded on the concept of right to the city. The right to the city is the right of all city inhabitants, especially poor people, to have equitable access to all that a city has to offer and also to have the right to change their city in ways that they see fit. It entails: Freedom from violence and harassment, • including the fear of violence on the streets; Safe public spaces where women and girls • can move freely, without fear of assault; Access to water and sanitation, electricity, • transportation and other public amenities at residences and in public locations to reduce the risks of violence; Freedom from sexual harassment and abuse • in the workplace; Gender sensitive policing mechanisms for • reporting violence and obtaining redress, such as anti-violence centres/shelters; and Systems and structures for women and girls • to enjoy social, economic, cultural and political participation. This study, entitled Women and the city II: combating violence against women and girls in urban public spaces- the role of public services, was initiated to deepen our understanding about the links between violence against women and urban public services, to build evidence, to get communities as well as duty bearers to engage in the process and to strengthen our ability to work with women in these communities to seek change. Conducted in Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia and Nepal, this study comes at a time of significant global change. In 2008, the world reached a momentous milestone: for the first time in history, more than half of its human population – 3.3 billion people – lived in urban areas. By 2010, the global urban population outnumbered the rural population with 3.56 billion (51.5% of the global population) living in urban areas. This report is envisaged as a knowledge building and advocacy tool. Our expected audience includes local municipalities and community leaders, law enforcement, urban planners, non-governmental organisations, feminist movements, the safe cities movement in particular, policymakers and donors at the national and international levels. The report is divided into five sections, namely, an introduction that provides an overview of the right to the city and the global history of safe cities work; an outline of the methodology adopted for this study; country contexts for each of the six countries; key findings; and finally, recommendations. Details: Johannesburg, South Africa: ActionAid, 2013. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 1, 2013 at: http://www.actionaid.org/sites/files/actionaid/women_and_the_city_ii_1.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.actionaid.org/sites/files/actionaid/women_and_the_city_ii_1.pdf Shelf Number: 127741 Keywords: Fear of CrimeFemale VictimsPublic SpaceUrban CrimeUrban DesignViolence Against WomenViolent Crime |
Author: Bruce, Judith Title: Violence Against Adolescent Girls: A Fundamental Challenge to Meaningful Equality Summary: Societies, rich and poor alike, are increasingly articulating commitments that guarantee girls safe and equal access to entitlements, services, social participation, and economic opportunities. Yet threats of violence in many forms—culturally affirmed (child marriage, female genital mutilation), intimate (carried out by family members and partners), casual (carried out by strangers), and planned (trafficking)— intervene to prevent girls from claiming their rights. Many countries are signatories to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and stipulate equality between males and females in their constitutions. Theoretically, safe access to resources and facilities is equally afforded to girls and boys, however a far higher proportion of boys and a smaller subset of usually more privileged girls may actually claim their rights and opportunities. The graphic on the right provides a general illustration of how violence impedes structural access. Girls’ lives are often conditioned around the possibility of violence. And acts of violence exert additional power over girls because the stigma of violence often attaches more to a girl than to her perpetrator. The experience of violence is devastating at the individual emotional and physical level. Its power to interrupt or fully disable girls’ access to entitlements, social participation, and—crucially— safe and decent livelihoods is an equally compelling reason to stop it. Violence is so pervasive in many societies that it has the feeling of being an active “plan” or even an opposing sector undermining the investments made by other sectors in girls’ well- being. Part of the “plan” to deny the rights of girls, even when society has made progress, is to condition them to avoid opportunity in order to manage risk. As girls internalize their responsibility for managing this risk, they begin to precensor their potential. Details: Washington, DC: Population Council, 2011. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: A Girls First! Publication: Accessed July 18, 2013 at: http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/2012PGY_GirlsFirst_Violence.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/2012PGY_GirlsFirst_Violence.pdf Shelf Number: 129446 Keywords: AdolescentsFemale VictimsGender-Based ViolenceViolence Against Women, Children |
Author: Great Britain. Ministry of Justice Title: Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System 2015. Summary: This publication compiles statistics from data sources across the Criminal Justice System (CJS), to provide a combined perspective on the typical experiences of women who come into contact with it. It considers how these experiences have changed over time and how they contrast to the typical experiences of men. No causative links can be drawn from these summary statistics, and no controls have been applied to account for differences in circumstances between the males and females coming into contact with the CJS (e.g. average income or age); differences observed may indicate areas worth further investigation, but should not be taken as evidence of unequal treatment or as direct effects of sex. In general, females appear to have been substantially under-represented as offenders throughout the CJS compared with males. This is particularly true in relation to the most serious offence types and sentences, though patterns by sex vary between individual offences. Females were also typically underrepresented among practitioners in the CJS and among victims of violent crime, although they were more likely than males to have been a victim of intimate violence or child abuse. Trends over time for each sex often mirror overall trends, though this is not always the case. Victimisation According to the Crime Survey of England and Wales, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of women and men that were victims of crime in 2015/16. Women were less likely than men to think that the CJS is fair and more likely to believe that crime is rising. Women were more likely to have been subject to abuse as children, particularly sexual assault. They were less likely to be victims of violent crime in general, but much more likely to be victims of sexual assault or domestic violence – and female homicide victims were far more likely than their male equivalents to have a current or former partner be the principal suspect for their death. Police Activity Less than a quarter of those given a penalty notice for disorder (22%) or caution (24%) were female. Women were underrepresented to an even greater extent among those arrested (16%), who are typically being dealt with for more serious offences than those dealt with out of court. For both out of court disposals and arrests, females were particularly likely to have been dealt with for theft offences. Defendants Over the last decade, the number of females prosecuted has risen by 6%, driven by increases in prosecutions for TV license evasion, while the number of males prosecuted has fallen by a third. Nevertheless, in line with police activity, females were still substantially underrepresented among those prosecuted, at just over a quarter of the total (27%). This is broadly mirrored in convictions, remands and sentencing, although women have a slightly higher conviction ratio. Women were more likely to be sentenced to fines and conditional discharges and less likely to be sentenced to custody, compared with men. They also received shorter immediate custodial sentences on average, with the gap increasing over the last decade, driven by increases in the number of prosecutions and average custodial sentence length of male sexual offenders. Offender Characteristics Females made up a quarter of first time offenders, but only one in seven of those dealt with who had a previous caution or conviction. Males were more likely to be sentenced to immediate custody and to receive custodial sentences of 6 months or longer than females with a similar criminal history. Three-fifths of offences committed by women with 15 or more previous cautions or convictions related to theft, compared with only two-fifths for men. Although males were more likely to reoffend, females had a higher number of proven reoffences on average per reoffender. Females were slightly more likely than males to reoffend following a short custodial sentence, but considerably less likely to reoffend following longer ones. Offenders under supervision or in custody Women represented only 5% of the prison population, a proportion that has fallen over the last decade. However, in line with sentencing patterns, women were typically serving shorter sentences and represented almost 9% of those admitted to custody. Female prisoners reported feeling better supported in prison, but less safe, and they were more likely to self-harm and self-harm more frequently than men. There were lower rates of assault in female prisons, but a slightly higher proportion of disciplinary incidents relative to the population. Women typically had shorter periods of probation and fewer requirements. They were also more likely than men to participate in education in prison, to be granted home detention curfew if eligible, to make a success of release on temporary license and to have their probation orders terminated early for good progress. Offence analysis A range of differences between the sexes could be seen when individual offences are examined; typical behaviours and outcomes vary between men and women at an offence level. For example, while women were more likely than men to have been prosecuted for TV license evasion, typical sentencing behaviour was the same for both sexes, whereas prosecutions for benefit fraud were close to evenly split between men and women, but males typically received more serious sentences. Trends also vary over time at an offence level: for example, women were becoming less likely to receive an immediate custodial sentence for indictable drug offence, while males were not. In line with overall trends, however, the differences that exist at offence level usually represent either less involvement or less serious involvement in the CJS for women than men. Practitioners Women were substantially underrepresented among the police and judiciary, at just over a quarter of practitioners, but represented more than half of those working in the Ministry of Justice, Crown Prosecution Service and female prison estate. In general, CJS functions involving direct contact with offenders had fewer females than males (and vice versa for those that do not), but the proportions have been slowly getting more equal since 2011. Female representation among senior staff was considerably lower than in the general workforce for all CJS organisations, but proportions have been rising. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2016. 172p. Source: Internet Resource: A Ministry of Justice publication under Section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991: Accessed December 7, 2016 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/572043/women-and-the-criminal-justice-system-statistics-2015.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/572043/women-and-the-criminal-justice-system-statistics-2015.pdf Shelf Number: 147933 Keywords: Crime StatisticsCriminal Justice SystemsFemale OffendersFemale Police OfficersFemale VictimsVictims of Crime |
Author: Gohir, Shaista Title: Muslim Women's Experiences of the Criminal Justice System Summary: Muslim women constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups in British society. They disproportionately experience adverse socio-economic conditions and within their families and communities often experience further inequalities from the gender roles expected of them, and behaviours rooted in honour culture. There is an intense pressure to conform and suffer in silence. Thus, when Muslim women are able to find the courage to report abuse to the police, they are taking a colossal step. If they then receive a poor service, it can dis-empower and deter them (and others who may be aware of the step they have taken) from continuing with any reports made to the police or from making future reports, or they may drop cases before they reach the court's door. The result of this can be Muslim women not getting justice and the perpetrators not being held accountable. This may also embolden perpetrators, leading to an increase in the abuse inflicted on the victim or even an increase in the number of victims. The consequences of an inadequate service can sometimes also be fatal. Details: Birmingham, UK: Muslim Women's Network UK, 2019. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 27, 2019 at: http://www.mwnuk.co.uk//go_files/resources/Muslim_Women_and_Criminal_Justice_FINAL.pdf Year: 2019 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.mwnuk.co.uk//go_files/resources/Muslim_Women_and_Criminal_Justice_FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 156711 Keywords: Disadvantaged Groups Female VictimsHonour Culture Muslim Women Violence Against Women, Girls |