How does the cost of living crisis impact women in the justice system?

Lilly Lewis, Women’s Involvement Advisor, One Small Thing

In the next in her series of blogs, our Women’s Involvement Advisor discusses how the cost of living crisis is impacting on women, and how this crisis may increase women’s involvement in the justice system.

I think it's fair to say one of the main topics we are talking about as a society at the moment is how the cost of living crisis is affecting each of us. I don't feel enough thought has been put into how this impacts women in contact with the justice system, and how the crisis may push women into criminal activities.

Through my work I see that women are really struggling with the cost of living crisis, most of them on benefits have around 3 to 400 pound maximum to live on each month - this has to feed them, clothe them, buy electricity and general living costs.

Many women are becoming desperate now and this can lead to stealing to feed themselves and their children. I see women being exploited into crime such as sexual exploitation, or through the sex industry as a way to make extra money. This money may be used to fund substance use or used just to live on. Women are also being exploited into other crimes such as selling drugs or holding drugs for people. People take advantage of the vulnerability of women who are struggling to provide for themselves and their family.

In most households you will find bills to pay in the woman's name even if a partner lives with her. This is especially bills such as TV licence, council tax, gas and electricity, and this can have a detrimental impact for women when you miss a payment or get into financial difficulties. It is the account holder, usually the woman, who would start receiving letters threatening court procedure and fines especially TV licence and council tax bills.

I have come across a lot of women who are receiving letters mainly from the TV licence, if you miss a monthly payment on TV licence you will start receiving letters advising you may be prosecuted or that an inspector will come to your home and see if you have a TV. They may fine you up to £1000 if you fail to pay the fines you could then face prison for non payment of fines. This has a huge impact on stress and mental health for women who are already struggling. These women are struggling to manage their rent and other bills such as gas and electricity which they see as a priority. If a woman committed another crime and then it came to light in the court that she had non payment of TV licence fines, this could be enough for a custodial sentence to be passed by a magistrate or judge.

A lot of the women I met in prison were there for committing crimes to pay for their substance misuse however most women had been through some form of abuse either sexually or domestic abuse, this then leads to overlapping issues such as substance misuse and poor mental health and involvement of social services.  The majority of repeat offenders in prison were mainly for shoplifting. This would be to provide for their families as well as pay for drugs or alcohol. 

When I call TV licence or gas or electricity companies as a support worker I will always get help with payment plans and payment holidays, however the women I support do not get the same level of help and support if they try to call themselves. When you call the energy companies there can be over an hour weight on the telephone and women with poor mental health or young children at home find it difficult or almost impossible to stay on the phone that long. This increases anxiety and they will put off making the call causing more problems.

I do feel with the current financial crisis we desperately need more support in the community for women and mothers. I believe with the right support women can be helped to make positive choices, steer away from crime and be empowered and supported to reach out for financial and emotional help.

Written by: Lilly Lewis, Women’s Involvement Advisor at One Small Thing