Risk Assessment of Recidivism of Violent and Sexual Female Offenders

Although female offenders are small in numbers compared to their male counterparts, over the last few years greater international attention has been given to gender-specific aspects of female offending and to criminogenic needs and rehabilitation of female offenders. The New Zealand Department of Corrections Psychological Services recognised the need for guidelines for risk assessment of violent and sexual female offenders in particular. This article presents the key findings from a literature review focused on risk assessment and respective risk factors predictive of reoffending by violent and sexual female offenders, and of female offenders' criminogenic needs. Particular attention is given to New Zealand research and practice in this field.