Research from the Université de Montréal reveals that female sex offenders have a significantly lower recidivism rate than their male counterparts. A meta-analysis led by Franca Cortoni, a professor emeritus in the School of Criminology, indicates a recidivism rate of just 3% for women, compared to approximately 13% for men. The study, which examined data from 4,208 women over a span of 25 years (1998 to 2023), updates the findings of a previous analysis conducted in 2010.
Cortoni, who has extensive experience as a clinical psychologist working with incarcerated sex offenders in Canada, emphasizes the need to shift away from a male-centric approach in criminal justice. “Women commit far fewer sexual offenses than men, and their risk of reoffending is much lower,” she noted. This trend, she argues, is consistent across various cultures and historical periods, pointing to evolutionary roles that have shaped behavioral differences between genders.
Understanding Behavioral Differences
The factors contributing to criminal behavior differ markedly between men and women. Cortoni explains that many incarcerated women have a history of significant physical and sexual violence prior to their criminal acts. As a result, women are often victims of violence across all crime categories, which further complicates their paths to crime.
While men generally externalize their trauma through aggression and anger, women tend to internalize it, leading to issues such as substance abuse and impulsivity. This tendency is reflected in the prevalence of self-harm among incarcerated women, highlighting the complex dynamics that influence their criminal behavior. For women, the progression to crime often begins with drug or alcohol abuse, whereas for men, it typically accompanies a delinquent lifestyle.
Cortoni points out that the reliance on male-centric data in criminology has resulted in significant blind spots. “We’ve seen this in various fields, including medicine,” she stated. “Research conducted solely on men has left serious gaps in understanding women’s experiences.” Acknowledging these differences is crucial for scientific rigor, as crime is not gender-neutral.
Reforming Rehabilitation Approaches
Historically, rehabilitation programs for women offenders have mirrored those designed for men, failing to account for their unique needs. Cortoni asserts, “The same approaches were applied to women, even though they did not have the same profiles.” Since the 1990s, reforms have aimed to make correctional services more responsive to women’s realities, emphasizing psychological support, consideration of trauma, and a focus on parenthood.
The intention behind these reforms is not to grant women preferential treatment but to recognize that men and women experience and respond to criminal behavior differently. “It’s not about saying that women are better or worse than men; it’s about recognizing that men and women function differently,” Cortoni explained.
Cortoni’s research emphasizes the importance of tailoring rehabilitation programs to address these differences. The updated findings from her meta-analysis, published in Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, underscore the need for continued focus on the unique pathways that lead women to crime and the distinct support they require upon reintegration into society.
For more information, 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 2025.