The transformation of female criminality in Malta

Abstract

Female criminality has been on the rise for the past few decades. There has been an increase in both crimes committed by women and in the number of women who are incarcerated. This dissertation aimed to study the way that female criminality has changed in Malta over the past decade, and whether there has been a notable increase in crime reports and incarceration when it comes to women. Theories regarding female criminality, its factors and causes were discussed along with possible rehabilitation programmes, incarceration and recidivism. In order to analyse trends with regards to sex and gender, the researcher used quantitative secondary data analysis of official police data. Findings indicated that incarceration rates of women in Malta did go up and some types of crimes committed by women such as domestic violence experienced an increase while others, such as prostitution, saw a decrease over the past decade. For recommended policies, it is advised that the Bangkok Regulations are fully implemented, and that more focus is addressed on community based sanctions in lieu of incarceration.