Girls and young women involved in crime in the Netherlands have limited access to support designed for their needs, a government-backed study has found.
Researchers from the Justice Ministry’s Research and Data Centre, known as WODC, worked with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on the study.
They examined police and justice data, previous research and 22 international treatment programmes for female offenders.
The research focused on girls and young women aged between 12 and 27.
Researchers found only one recognised programme in the Netherlands that appeared promising for this group.
The treatment focuses on helping participants control aggression.
However, researchers said there is not yet enough scientific evidence to prove that it works effectively for young women in the Netherlands.
Most treatment programmes were developed with boys in mind because boys make up the majority of young offenders.
The study found that girls and young women often enter the criminal justice system with different experiences and support needs.
Their behaviour can be connected to anxiety disorders, difficult relationships with their parents or experiences of sexual violence.
Boys involved in crime are more likely to struggle with aggression, poor self-control or friends who encourage criminal behaviour.
Researchers said programmes designed mainly for boys may not always meet the needs of girls, especially support provided at home or through youth care.
Not all experts agree that separate programmes are necessary.
Some professionals argue that existing treatments already allow them to adjust the support for each person.
Others want clearer guidance and more programmes designed specifically for girls and young women.
Girls account for a small share of recorded youth crime in the Netherlands. Their offences are also more likely to involve less serious crimes such as theft.
The number of young female suspects and offenders increased at the beginning of the century before falling from 2010.
The figures have remained mostly stable since 2020. However, researchers found a small increase in aggressive and violent offences involving girls under 16.
The reason for this increase remains unclear.
