South Australia’s female crime rate increasing at double the rate for meals, figures show
THE number of South Australian females falling foul of the law is growing at twice the rate of males.
THE number of South Australian females falling foul of the law is growing at twice the rate of males.
Australian Bureau of Statistics latest figures show the rate of female offenders increased by 8 per cent between 2015 and 2016 compared to a 4 per cent growth in male offender rates.
Since 2008 the number of female offenders facing the SA justice system has grown by 43 per cent, from 7748 to 11,089.
Adelaide criminal defence lawyer Craig Caldicott, speaking on behalf of the Australian Defence Lawyers’ Association, told the Sunday Mail the nature of female offending had also changed.
“It is usually to do with drug related offences,” he said.
“Traditionally, females were not involved in violent crimes but over the past decade we have seen an increase in violent crime.”
Mr Caldicott’s sentiments are supported by data released by the Attorney-General’s Department, showing the number of females in remand for assault almost doubled from 13 in 2013 to 24 in 2016.
“Offences against justice procedures, which includes breaching bond, parole, community services orders or Intervention Orders, grew by almost threefold,” Mr Caldicott said.
Correctional Services Minister Peter Malinauskas said the increasing number of women in SA prisons was in line with increases seen around the nation.
“There are a number of factors contributing to this rise, including an increasing number of prisoners breaching their bail conditions and serving longer sentences,” he said. Mr Malinauskas said a State Government action plan – that is part of a broader strategy to reduce the rate of male and female reoffending in SA by 10 per cent by 2020 – provides a strong foundation to reduce the rate of reoffending among women.
“While holding women accountable for the crime they commit, the initiative acknowledges the resilience and resourcefulness of women that contributes to their ability to build new lives and become positive members of society after release,” he said.
Mr Caldicott said putting more offenders in the state’s crowded prison system was not the answer.
“There needs to be programs to reduce drug use and to help (offenders) be worthwhile members of the community,” he said.