Gender differences in reoffending after discharge from medium-secure units - National cohort study in England and Wales

Background: Previous research has shown that there are gender differences in reoffending after discharge from medium-secure units, but these have not been adequately explained. Aims: To investigate gender differences in reoffending after discharge from medium-secure psychiatric units. Method: All people discharged from medium-secure units in England and Wales between April 1997 and March 1998 were followed up for 1 year (n=959; 12% women). Reoffending was estimated by collecting reconviction data from the Home Office's Offenders' Index or from files at the mental health unit up to 2 years after discharge. Results: Women were less likely than men to be reconvicted within 2 years of discharge (9% v. 16%,OR=0.49,95% CI 0.25-0.98). Adjustments for history of self-harm, drug or alcohol problems and previous offending substantially reduced the gender difference. In the full model the OR was 0.97 (95% CI 0.45-2.12). Conclusions: Some or all of the gender differences in reoffending between men and women are explained by self-harm, alcohol and drug problems and previous criminal history. Declaration of interest: None.