Criminal justice

We have published an extensive body of research and analysis on women and the criminal justice system, which can be accessed below. We have also engaged with a range of stakeholders, including the Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Police Authority, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, the Scottish Parliament Justice Committe and Public Petitions Committee, and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Our work includes research on the loss of robust data on sex in the criminal justice system, Police Scotland workplace policies, and the influence of lobby groups advocating against the recognition of sex in law and policy. In relation to prisons, we have published academic papers and briefings on the Scottish Prison Service Gender Identity policy and shown how the policy-making process failed to consider the needs of female prisoners or staff. We have also produced an extensive body of analysis on the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act and its likely chilling effects in respect of women’s rights. Our petition to the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee on the accurate recording of sex in cases of rape and attempted rape, and our supporting evidence and analysis can also be accessed here.

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