Recommendation 17

The number of Welsh women receiving custodial sentences in Wales is rising, as is the number of those offenders receiving short sentences. This is despite longstanding and ever-increasing evidence that prison—and short sentences—pose particular harm to women and do little to reduce reoffending. The establishment of the Women’s Justice Board—and the publication of its report—is a positive step to tackle this concerning trend. However, strong partnership working between the UK and Welsh Governments, and their associated agencies, is required to realise the Board’s vision of a world where less women are sent to prison. This work will also need to be supported by the Welsh magistracy and court 68 system, which must make greater use of the available alternative to custody options when sentencing women. The UK Government’s recent recruitment drive in this area poses a good opportunity to embed this work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 68)