The Sentencing Bill could be an historic opportunity to make change for criminalised women - we cannot miss it
The Sentencing Bill was introduced to parliament today, presenting an historic opportunity to bring about better justice for women but only if the proposals address the root causes of offending.
The bill is wide-ranging with many changes proposed across the criminal justice system. Some of the key changes that could particularly impact women include moving away from the use of short sentences under 12 months – which the majority of women in prison receive.
The Bill also includes a greater focus on community sentences, which has the potential to keep women connected to local services and support networks, and have been proven to be more effective at preventing further contact with the justice system.
“We largely welcome the changes proposed today through the Sentencing Bill, however their impact on reducing the women’s prison population remains to be seen.
As it stands, women are set up to fail by a criminal justice system that compounds the very problems that lead them into contact with it. Prison and criminalisation only make these challenges worse.
This Bill is a significant opportunity to build a justice system that recognises the realities of women’s lives. Yet it is unclear how today’s announcement will address the specific factors that draw women into offending.
Every day, Women in Prison works with women who have fled domestic abuse, been coerced into crime, or ended up in prison due to mental ill-health, poverty, and homelessness. These are the root causes which must be addressed, and where investment must focus if the Sentencing Bill proposals are to succeed.
We know women are best supported in their communities, where they can rebuild their lives with access to specialist services. For the Bill to deliver lasting change, government must follow through with long-term funding for women’s organisations across the country.
We are yet to see if they will make good on this commitment, so women can get the help they need with housing, mental health, domestic abuse, and poverty.
Only when this happens can we reduce the women’s prison population and deliver the lasting change that’s needed for better justice.”
ENDS
Women in Prison is a national charity that delivers support for women affected by the criminal justice system in prisons, in the community and through our women's centres. We campaign to end the harm caused to women, their families and our communities by imprisonment.
The Independent Sentencing Review was published on 22 May 2025.
The Sentencing Bill was introduced to parliament on 2 September 2025.
For immediate release. Contact miranda.dobson@wipuk.org, +44 7823 412 090