A new initiative to reduce reoffending by women in Crewe and Nantwich area is being trialed by Cheshire Police and restorative justice provider Remedi.
The scheme, with funding from Police Crime Commissioner, will work with female offenders in Crewe divisional area to address the root causes of their crime.
These include poverty, domestic abuse or sexual abuse or drug/alcohol abuse, to reduce their risk of re-offending and protect the community.
The project is being run by Remedi out of Crewe’s Women’s Centre, which bring support services together. It will also be run in the Macclesfield area.
It will see a case worker work closely with offenders to develop practical solutions to address offending while also working with victims to help them recover from their ordeal.
PCC David Keane said: “There is a wealth of research which suggests there are often extremely complex reasons why women commit crime which are often significantly different to the reasons men commit crime.
“The implications for women when interacting with the criminal justice system can be profound, in particular the impact on the family.
“I support schemes which divert women from the criminal justice system.
“I have provided funding to support the development of a number of Women’s Centres across Cheshire which work with females to address their complex needs and in turn, protect the community by reducing their risk of re-offending.
“This pilot project is not about letting offenders ‘off lightly’.
“It’s about addressing the complex needs of offenders without resorting to costly prison sentences which, in the case of female offenders, can have major implications for children, whilst often doing little to address the problems women face and which are often the root cause of the crimes.”
The service will not be exclusively for women and approaches will be used in other cases.
Lisa Gill, manager of Remedi in Cheshire, added: “Remedi will be working with the offender to carry out an assessment to ensure individual needs are identified and supported.
“During the restorative programme, the victim will also be invited to provide their thoughts and explain how the crime has affected them.
“They may also take part in a face-to-face meeting with the offender to help them both understand the impact of the crime and prevent this happening again in the future.
“Repairing harm and improving community relationships is key for people to feel supported and able to access local support. Involving victims in the process creates long term more positive relationship.”
Chief Inspector Simon Newell added: “We are really pleased to be taking part in this scheme, which I truly believe will make a real difference.
“There are a number of complex reasons why people become involved in crime, but I hope that by exploring different ways of dealing with offenders, and providing them with the services and support they require, then we will be able to reduce the chances of them re-offending.”
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