Support Intervention for Women To Be Used As Part Of An Out Of Court Resolution.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary (ASC) are commissioning a support intervention for women as part of an out of court resolution to divert women from the Criminal Justice System, where it is appropriate to do so, by addressing their needs to prevent reoffending.

This support intervention for women will be used as a condition: • to an out of court resolution for women with support needs irrespective of the offence type • a conditional caution for women who are perpetrators of domestic abuse (intimate and non-intimate) • For women aged 18-24 as part of the deferred prosecution scheme known as Chance to Change where they are not eligible for the "Enhanced Service" as commissioned via that service.

Our Strategy to commission a support intervention for women is underpinned by evidence that a gender-informed approach addressing the causes of women's offending, including previous abuse and trauma, is more effective than a gender neutral approach in rehabilitating women offenders and addressing their often complex needs. This intervention supports the delivery of the Governments Women Offender Strategy in Avon and Somerset