The complexities of managing gendered violence in an English probation setting

Abstract

Examined in this article are two cases of women who have committed offences causing serious harm to others. Responses from probation practitioners are explored in the context of the women also being viewed as victims of extreme, long-term abuse and subsequent trauma. Organisational pressures and practitioners’ personal values are analysed to see in what ways interventions attempt to balance individuals’ offending and victimisation aspects, whilst also being mindful of traumatising effects of the criminal justice system itself and the impact on practitioners.