A recent study reveals that the recidivism rate for female sex offenders is significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. The analysis, conducted by Franca Cortoni, a professor emeritus at Université de Montréal, indicates a recidivism rate of just 3% for women compared to approximately 13% for men. This meta-analysis draws on data collected over a span of 25 years, from 1998 to 2023, and serves as an update to previous findings from 2010.
Cortoni, who also works with the International Centre for Comparative Criminology, has extensive experience as a clinical psychologist with incarcerated sex offenders. Her research underscores the necessity of moving beyond a male-centric approach within the criminal justice system. Cortoni argues that the low recidivism rates among women reflect a consistent trend across various cultures and historical contexts, where women generally commit fewer crimes than men.
Understanding Gender Differences in Criminal Behavior
Cortoni attributes these differences to evolutionary factors. She explains, “Historically, men were responsible for protecting the clan and hunting, while women looked after children and the well-being of the group. These roles have shaped enduring behavioral differences.” Although women do engage in violent acts, they often take fewer physical risks and express aggression in varying ways.
The factors contributing to criminal behavior differ considerably between genders. Many incarcerated women have faced significant physical or sexual violence prior to their criminal activities. Cortoni states that women are more likely to be victimized across all categories of crime. In contrast, while men externalize their trauma through aggression, women tend to internalize it, which can lead to substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors. This internalized suffering is evident in the high rates of self-harm among incarcerated women, according to Cortoni.
Rethinking Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice Approaches
Cortoni points out that criminology, much like medicine, has historically relied on data from male subjects, often generalizing these findings to the entire population. “We’ve seen this, for example, with heart attacks and with sexuality,” she notes. She emphasizes that failing to recognize the distinct differences in criminal behavior and recidivism between genders is a critical oversight in both research and practice.
The consequences of these blind spots have been significant. For years, rehabilitation programs for female offenders were adaptations of those created for men, ignoring the unique needs and profiles of women. Since the 1990s, reforms have aimed to make correctional services more attuned to women’s realities. These changes include placing less emphasis on security, providing greater psychological support, and recognizing the impact of previous trauma, particularly in relation to motherhood.
Cortoni clarifies that the goal is not to provide preferential treatment to women but to acknowledge the differences in how men and women engage with criminal behavior and reintegration into society. “It’s not about saying that women are better or worse than men; it’s about recognizing that men and women function differently,” she asserts.
The findings from Cortoni’s study are published in the journal, Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, co-authored with R. Karl Hanson. As the field of criminology evolves, acknowledging these differences may pave the way for more effective and humane approaches to justice and rehabilitation.
