Female offender risk assessment is predominantly based on criminogenic factors that predict reoffending in males. Research indicates there are criminogenic factors specific to female offenders, and certain factors linked to offending for both sexes have greater impact on female offenders. This paper extends current research using a Western Australian sample to determine whether findings are replicated with an Australian cohort. Gender differences in the criminogenic profile of 1704 violent offenders (9% female), assessed using the Level of Service/Risk, Need, Responsivity (LS/RNR) and Violence Risk Scale (VRS), were analysed using a matched sample study design. There were significant gender differences on all components of the LS/RNR, except criminal history. In the subsequent matched study, these differences varied, and females scored significantly lower on all VRS-SV items, except age. Gender differences in violence risk scores were clear, providing support for gender-responsive assessment and treatment of violent female offenders, with further validation needed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	female offenders, profile, risk assessment, violence
Research Division:	Human Society
Research Group:	Criminology
Research Field:	Causes and prevention of crime
Objective Division:	Law, Politics and Community Services
Objective Group:	Justice and the law
Objective Field:	Crime prevention
UTAS Author:	Spiranovic, C (Dr Caroline Spiranovic)
ID Code:	148830
Year Published:	2022
Deposited By:	Law
Deposited On:	2022-02-15
Last Modified:	2022-04-21
Downloads:	0