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JUNO, named after the Roman goddess who kept special watch over all aspects of women’s lives, is an early intervention programme created specifically for women who have entered the criminal justice system and received a conditional caution.

About 13,000 women are sent to prison in the UK every year – twice as many as twenty years ago, and many on remand or to serve short sentences for non-violent offences, often for a first offence.

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In 2006, the Corston Report concluded that prison isn’t the right place for women who are not a risk to the public. It found that:

  • Prison is disproportionately harsher for women because the system and practices have been designed by men, for men
  • Women are more likely to be primary carers of children, who are then often placed into care
  • Most women in the criminal justice system have been victims of much more serious offences than those they are accused of committing
  • Women commit more low-level offences and have less involvement in serious violence
  • Relationship problems, drug addiction and mental health problems feature strongly in women’s pathways into crime

JUNO has been designed to provide an alternative to prosecution for women who have committed certain low-level offences.

It is a trauma informed, rehabilitative intervention designed to respond to complex trauma histories and unique vulnerabilities associated with female offending. It aims to enable women to reflect on their own risk factors whilst being supported to develop resilience and coping strategies to move forward in their lives. Specialist JUNO practitioners work with them to build their skills in emotional management and believe in their ability to control their lives and achieve their goals.

Frequently
Asked Questions

quote mark

I honestly don’t know where I would be without you as I have always avoided getting help, but you made me feel strong enough to access support.

Who is it for?

JUNO has been created specifically for women who have committed a low-level offence and been issued with a Conditional Caution by police as an alternative to prosecution. Attending JUNO is part of the condition attached.

Where is it available?

JUNO is currently available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The sessions are delivered in safe and welcoming venues around the county.

How long is it?

Participants take part in two group workshops, four weeks apart. The workshops usually take place on a Wednesday from 10 to 3pm.

What happens during the programme?

Following referral from the police, participants will receive a letter with the relevant details and will also be contacted by the coordinators for a brief chat.

This provides an opportunity to have any questions or concerns answered and to get a better idea of what to expect from the sessions so that participants feel safe and comfortable engaging in the intervention.

The group sessions offer an inclusive, non judgemental, friendly, and above all, safe space amongst women, many of whom will be in similar situations. It will be every participant’s choice to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.

JUNO is designed to help participants:

  • Understand the different circumstances that led to their offence so that they can avoid finding themselves in other unsafe situations in the future
  • Understand the impact of your offence on both yourself and others
  • Reflect on what you may need to do in order to keep yourself safe, and identify any areas in which you may need support
  • Access any additional support you may need. This may include safety planning, advice, advocacy, signposting, or actively helping with referrals to other agencies
How can I refer myself or someone else?

With JUNO being a criminal justice solution, referrals are only accepted from police.

Want to find out more?

For further information about JUNO,
please email [email protected]
or call 023 8000 9898.

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