Criminological intervention with a Gender perspective: Implementation of the “Family/ Couple” intervention module for women sentenced to Probation, Open Gendarmerie System of Chile

Abstract

Introduction: The Chilean Gendarmerie’s mission is to reduce the probability of criminal recidivism of the population under sentence. For this, substitute penalties were implemented starting in  2013,installing the Risk, Need, Responsiveness (RNR) Management Model. When implementing it, the specificity of the female population and the absence of relevant  programs will be controlled. In this regard, the available records refer mainly to male crime. Objective: Describe the construction process of the first Module of a Criminological Intervention Program for female offenders with a Gender perspective. Method: A review of international experience was carried out. 25 volunteers from 4 Social Reintegration Centers who had a “Family/Couple” risk factor at a Medium, High or Very High Risk Level participated in the pilot. Results: The Module considered 12 sessions in its final version. The intervention strategies used are cognitive behavioral, aimed at the analysis and modification of offending behavior through prosocial training. It was implemented at the national level, being mandatory for those who met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: After participating in the Module, the 25 pilot participants decreased their general and specific risk level measured by the recidivism risk assessment instrument.