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Women as Perpetrators and Victims of Crime

A Sociological Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Frances M. Heidensohn
Frances M. Heidensohn*
Affiliation:
Goldsmith's College, University of London
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Abstract

A strong emphasis on individual psychopathology has informed much discussion on female crime, although more recent research has stressed its social setting and influences. Women commit all types of crime, although to a much lesser extent than men, particularly with regard to violent crime. Social and economic marginalisation is a significant factor in female crime. Criminal convictions seem to be more stigmatising for women. In court, women are treated as doubly deviant and their actions are explained in psychopathological terms. Because of the small numbers of women offenders, non-custodial and custodial provisions for them are inadequate. Although men are more likely to be victims of, for example, street crime, women express more fear of crime. One reason for this may be the prevalence of domestic crime committed by men against women (and children) that is underestimated in some surveys.

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Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 158 , Issue S10: Women and Mental Health , May 1991 , pp. 50 - 54
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991 

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