Revolving Doors responds to Government announcement aiming to end the ‘revolving door’ of crisis and crime for women
The Women’s Justice Board has today released its report about reducing the number of women in custody, recommending a whole-system approach that diverts women into support to address the root causes of their offending.
Revolving Doors are acknowledging this distinct approach as a campaign win. As experts in early intervention, prevention and diversion for those trapped in the revolving door of crisis and crime, we have long campaigned for community solutions that are practical, evidence-led and outward-facing as an urgent response to a failing justice system.
Revolving Doors Chief Executive Pavan Dhaliwal said:
“Today’s announcement is a win for those fighting to end the revolving door of crisis and crime. We know that many women in contact with the justice system are living with trauma, abuse, poor mental health, addiction and homelessness, and that specialist community support, prevention and diversion, is far more effective than short spells in custody at addressing those root causes and creating safer streets.
We have long campaigned for diversion at the earliest possible opportunity, before problems escalate and before women are pulled deeper into the criminal justice system. We welcome the Board’s focus on this approach, which has the potential to break cycles of offending and get vulnerable women the support they need.
An emphasis on diversion has the potential to transform our approach to repeat offending more widely, cutting harm and easing pressure on the system: men who would otherwise receive short custodial sentences must also be diverted quickly into treatment, housing and practical support in the community.
At Revolving Doors, our research with Newton shows that between 30,000 and 50,000 people are trapped in the revolving door of repeat, low-level offending, responsible for at least 130,000 crimes a year and costing the public purse around £1 billion annually, with the wider socio-economic cost potentially exceeding £5 billion. That is why this moment must also be linked to the new presumption against short prison sentences in the Sentencing Act. The prize here is not simply fewer women in prison, but a justice system that intervenes earlier, responds to need, and stops the revolving door for everyone.”
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
Revolving Doors provide expert solutions for those trapped in the ‘revolving door’ of crisis and crime. Home – Revolving Doors
Revolving Doors’ research demonstrates that evidence-led community alternatives are the most impactful way to tackle the root causes of reoffending and create safer communities. Find out more in Preventing the Revolving Door. Preventing the revolving door: groundbreaking report offers data and voices for change – Revolving Doors We are experts in diversion and have long called for a whole system approach to tackling repeat offending:
- One joined-up team, one plan: police, probation, courts, NHS, housing and drug/alcohol services working as a single system around the person.
- Fast routes to the basics: housing + treatment + mental health support delivered quickly, before crisis becomes crime.
- Problem-solving justice: courts and probation linked into local services, so supervision comes with real help and clear consequences.
- Trusted support: consistent, trauma-informed practitioners plus peer mentors to keep people engaged and on track.
- Clear grip and accountability: shared data, shared outcomes, and someone locally responsible for delivery—not a handover between agencies.
Revolving Doors is a national charity working to break the cycle of crisis and crime. We advocate for a system that addresses the drivers of contact with the criminal justice system, including trauma, poverty and discrimination. We bring independent research, policy expertise and lived experience together to champion long-term solutions for justice reform.
To arrange an interview with Pavan Dhaliwal – CEO of Revolving Doors please email Antonia.cross@revolving-doors.org.uk or call 07803 530891
For more information or to arrange an interview, please email or call Charlotte Sellers at charlotte.sellers@revolving-doors.org.uk / on 07483 091 774.
