Transforming Justice for Women

Dr. Sharon Duignan is a full-time lecturer at Atlantic Technological University in Galway. While working as a trainee solicitor in Dublin’s district courts, she observed a concerning trend: certain women defendants were being sentenced with unsettling frequency. This observation piqued her interest, prompting her to relocate to Galway to conduct research that could explain the underlying causes of this apparent pattern. Her primary research interests focus on law, criminology, and sentencing. During her doctoral studies at the University of Galway, where she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, her research highlighted this overlooked demographic and the systemic factors that contribute to their recurrent struggles. Her work provides insights into Ireland's criminal justice system and underscores the need for gender-specific reforms.

• Introduction.- Historical Context of Penal Policy.- The Diverted Female Offender.- The Sentencing of Women and the Impact of Policies.- Penal Policies and the Interaction with Women’s Needs in the Justice System.- Effective Practices: Approaches and Models for Addressing Deficiencies.- Reintegration: Overcoming Challenges and Addressing the Woman's Needs.- Transformed Justice: A Roadmap.