A recent meta-analysis has revealed that the recidivism rate for female sex offenders is a mere 3%, significantly lower than the 13% rate for males. Conducted by Franca Cortoni, a professor emeritus at Université de Montréal, this study analyzed data from 4,208 women over a span of 25 years, from 1998 to 2023. The results highlight a persistent pattern: women commit fewer sexual offenses and are less likely to reoffend.
Cortoni, who has worked extensively as a clinical psychologist with incarcerated sex offenders, emphasizes the importance of moving away from a male-centric approach in criminal justice. She argues that the low recidivism rates among women reflect broader societal trends where women generally commit fewer crimes than men.
Understanding the Differences
Cortoni attributes these differences to various underlying factors. Many incarcerated women have faced significant physical or sexual violence prior to their criminal activities. The majority of female offenders have been victims themselves, leading to a cycle of trauma that influences their behavior.
In contrast to men, who often externalize their trauma through aggression, women typically internalize it, resulting in higher rates of substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors. Cortoni notes that this internalized suffering contributes to the prevalence of self-harm among incarcerated women.
The pathways to criminal behavior also differ significantly between genders. For women, issues such as drug or alcohol abuse often precede criminal activity, while men’s delinquency is frequently associated with a broader lifestyle of crime.
Rethinking Criminal Justice Approaches
Cortoni criticizes the historical reliance on male-centric data in criminology, stating that such approaches have created “serious blind spots.” She asserts that understanding the unique experiences of female offenders is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
“Crime is not gender-neutral,” Cortoni emphasizes. “As long as we continue to treat women the same as men in the justice system, we’ll overlook what led them there.” For years, rehabilitation programs for women were simply adapted from those designed for men, neglecting the distinct needs of female offenders.
Since the 1990s, there have been reforms in correctional services aimed at better addressing the realities faced by women. These changes prioritize psychological support, recognition of past trauma, and considerations of parenthood, rather than an exclusive focus on security.
Cortoni concludes that acknowledging these differences is not about claiming superiority or inferiority between genders; rather, it is essential for effective rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Her analysis serves as a call to action for policymakers and practitioners to recognize the varied dynamics of criminal behavior and to tailor interventions accordingly.
For further reading, see the study by R. Karl Hanson et al, titled “The Sexual Recidivism Rates of Women Are Still Low: An Updated Meta‐Analysis,” published in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health in 2025.
