Violent Females and Restorative Justice

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2. Introduction

As of the early 20th century, there has been a rise in violent crime committed by women. This is due to a change in gender roles that result in women having a lack of informal control, giving women the mindset that they are more assertive (Kruttschnitt, et. al, 2008). It has been found that women as a whole are less likely to reoffend after attending a restorative justice conference (Hayes, 2005). Due to the female violent offenders only being a minority offender group (Bonta, et.al, 1995), there are gaps in research in terms of the effectiveness of restorative justice on their recidivism rates (Latimer et.al, 2005). This research proposal will aim to address the gaps in this research by outlining the theoretical framework that backs the ideology that restorative justice may potentially be more beneficial and have a more positive outcome for females than males. Firstly this paper will discuss the current literature, outlining the effectiveness of restorative justice, the research surrounding the rise in female violent offenders, and the potential success of the two variables in reducing future recidivism. And finally, a research question and hypotheses will be outlined in order to potentially influence future policy change.
3. Literature Review

Restorative Justice conferencing has been seen to be successful in reducing recidivism. This method of justice involves the offender(s), victim(s) and/or stakeholders of an offence to meet in a professionally mediated environment to discuss the offence and negotiate an outcome (Tuddenham, 2001). The term “Restorative Justice” is referred to as practices that are aimed at making the offender aware of the material and psychological damage or harm that has been caused t...

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.... (2001). Evaluating Restorative Justice. Probation Journal, 48(4), 296. doi:10.1177/026455050104800411

Umbreit, M. S. (1995). Holding Juvenile Offenders Accountable: A Restorative Justice Perspective. Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 46(2), 31. doi:10.1111/j.1755- 6988.1995.tb00815.x

Umbreit, M. S., & Armour, M. P. (2011). Restorative Justice and Dialogue: Impact, Opportunities, and Challenges in the Global Community. Journal of Law and Policy, 36(65), 65-89.

Verrecchia, P. J. (2009). Female Delinquents and Restorative Justice. Women & Criminal Justice, 19(1), 80. doi:10.1080/08974450802586992

Walgrave, L. (2011). Investigating the Potentials of Restorative Justice Practice.Washington University Journal of Law & Policy, 36(1), 91.

Wortley, R. (2011). Development. In Psychological criminology: An integrative approach (pp. 36). New York, USA: Routledge.

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