Increasing numbers of young women are convicted of violent crimes - a new research project will examine their life situation

The number of women sentenced to prison has increased every year from 2018 until 2024, and in addition, more and more young women are sentenced for violent crimes according to the Police Authority. According to the Crime Prevention Council, Brå, the number of women suspected of crime has increased by 3 percentage points in the last decade.

A new research project at Umeå University will investigate the life situation, vulnerability and need for support of girls and young women convicted of violence - before and during their time in prison.

Linda Arnell, together with Azade Azad at Kristianstad University and Anna-Karin Larsson at Örebro University, will interview 20 convicted women aged 15 to 29.

- We interview them about their life experiences right up to the time in the institution itself. They will also be allowed to write diaries, and then we will interview correctional staff about their work with this target group, says Linda Arnell.

More often exposed to abuse

Previous research shows that girls and young women who are convicted of serious crimes have often themselves been subjected to violence and abuse. Therefore, it is important to understand both their health, vulnerability and what interventions they need.

- We also know that women are also more often exposed to sexual violence, unlike boys, says Linda Arnell.

The researchers hope that the results will contribute to better support, treatment and prevention work. The knowledge can also be used in resource allocation and in future criminal policy decisions.

- An important part of this project is to gain knowledge about the women's life situation while growing up, so that no one will ever have to end up in that situation. That we can put in the right support already during their upbringing, before they use violence or commit crimes, says Linda Arnell.