JUSTICE reform campaigners claimed victory after the government announced it would aim to end the “revolving door” of crisis and crime for women.

The Women’s Justice Board published recommendations today to break the cycle of short-term repeat imprisonment, which call for a whole-system approach diverting women into support.

Revolving Doors welcomed the report, which it said addressed many of the demands it has made over the years in terms of practical, evidence-led community solutions to end cycles of crime.

Its chief executive Pavan Dhaliwal said this was 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.

“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.”

The organisation’s previous research found that between 30,000 and 50,000 people are trapped in this cycle of imprisonment for repeat, low-level offences.

They say this amounts to a total of at least 130,000 crimes, resulting in a cost to the public of about £1 billion each year.

The government’s Women’s Justice Board recommended the establishment of a two to three-year programme to reform women’s justice in England and Wales.

It also called for anti-racist, intersectional approaches to address disparities in policing, early intervention and prevention measures, and community solutions.