Reflecting on Sentencing Reform

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

In her next blog, Lilly reflects on the recent Independent Sentencing Review Report and the proposals which she believes the Government needs to prioritise.

Reading the Independent Sentencing Review report I was heartened that the proposals do have the potential to improve outcomes for women in the criminal justice system. The review acknowledges that many women are in prison for non-violent offences, often from experiences of domestic abuse, mental health issues, or addiction.

Although recommendations include reducing short custodial sentences, these promises have been made before. The emphasis in the report on community-based, trauma-informed support tailored to women's specific needs, I fully support. For this to be a reality however, it will require sustainable funding.

Reducing short custodial sentences for women is essential, as these often fail to address the root causes of offending such as trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges—and split mothers from their children. Shifting toward community-based, trauma-informed alternatives such as Hope Street offers a much more effective approach.

However, what's vital is a sustained investment in women's services, including housing, mental health, and substance abuse support. Without funding and long-term commitment, these reforms would risk becoming token gestures.

What I see as missing is a greater focus on culturally responsive support for Black, Asian and minoritised women to ensure equal outcomes. Also, early intervention is needed with children and young women to prevent cycles of trauma and harm.

“What I see as missing is a greater focus on culturally responsive support for Black, Asian and minoritised women to ensure equal outcomes”

Now we wait to see which elements of the report are taken up by Government. I urge the Government to prioritise trauma-informed, gender-responsive principles in all justice reforms. Policies must recognise the unique pathways that lead women into the justice system, often rooted in abuse, poverty, and disadvantage. Some of the women I support express how they are stealing essentials such as washing powder and cleaning products as food has to be the priority. We need compassion, not punishment, with community-based alternatives to custody that support healing and rehabilitation. The system should empower, not retraumatise.

I believe the Government’s main goal should be to build a kinder, fairer justice system that helps people turn their lives around. This means understanding people’s past experiences, offering support instead of punishment, and helping women recover and stay in or safely return to their communities. Further training for magistrates and judges to be more trauma-conscious when sentencing women and young girls, especially around those who are most vulnerable such as care experienced.

Women with lived experience must be at the heart of justice reform. They know what works and what needs to change. We also need support workers, community groups, health and mental health services, and people who understand trauma. Policymakers must listen and work together with these voices to create real, lasting change. Only by including those directly affected can we build a justice system that truly supports and protects women.