At Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women we welcome the government’s announcement today that it plans to invest almost £32m in women’s services. This is a 50% uplift in the money available for Women’s Centres – like Anawim – and specialist women’s services.    

The announcement comes as the Women’s Justice Board’s recommendations are published, which include a strong emphasis on diversion from the criminal justice system, recognition of the harm of VAWG and the need for a whole system approach. The Women’s Justice Board says that every opportunity to refer women into community-based gender specific support should be taken, and recognises the importance of caseworker support and a one-stop shop approach. This is very welcome.    

The report acknowledges the need for statutory underpinning of a whole system approach centred around the provision of gender-specific, trauma-informed, holistic women’s services in the community, using a problem-solving approach. This is an approach we are proud to take, and we are pleased that its effectiveness is being recognised.    

“Third sector women’s specialist services are best placed to build long-term, trusting relationships with women who too often have been let down. They provide exceptional social value by plugging the gap in overstretched statutory services and helping women to engage with treatment, support and the criminal justice process. Ensuring the women’s sector receives a fair share of investment in community rehabilitation, accessible to the smallest providers, will increase capacity and resilience in this vital sector.”    

Anawim CEO Joy Doal said: “This is a very encouraging announcement which recognises the specific issues facing women in the criminal justice system; and that to change things Women’s Centres – and other charities – need secure, sustainable funding. We know our approach works and can help to tackle the root causes of offending, as well as creating social value for any investment.”    

There are many positive aspects to the report alongside the funding announcement. They include a recommendation to reduce remand and recall and strengthen the housing and social care pathways. This sits alongside a suggestion that remand decisions should take account of both domestic violence and pregnancy.    

They also recommend the expansion of Intensive Supervision Courts, like the one we have been working on in Birmingham for the last few years. There is also good news around pregnant women – with a suggestion that court powers to send them to prison should be removed except in the most extreme cases.    

This appears to be a very positive step – both in direction and in terms of funding – and we are now eager to see how it will be implemented.