When assessing risk in women, mental health professionals should remain aware of gender’s influence on risk factors — both their presence and relevance to the overall picture of risk. They should keep in mind that when women commit crime and violence, these actions are often related to their unique experiences and social roles.

Women and girls differ from men and boys in many aspects of criminal and violent behaviour, said Dr. Stephanie Penney in a presentation for the International Forensic Psychiatry Lecture Series. Women’s and girls’ development before committing violence can differ. There are differences in who their victims are, the pathways they take to justice involvement, and the motivations for crime and violence.

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