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Female Offenders
Racquel Walsh
Master of Social Work Walden University
SOCW 6135: Criminal Behavior
Dr. Monica Levine-Sauberman
January 30, 2022
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Characteristics of Female and Male Offenders
Offender who are females are likely to engage in lower violent crimes that includes
burglary, prostitution, theft/shop lifting, and crimes that are related to drugs versus male
offenders, whereas male offenders are much more likely to engage in more violent crimes as well
as engage in committing more crimes than females offenders (Cauffman, 2008). Male offenders
that have exposure to much higher levels of testosterone before birth tend to be more aggressive
(Cauffman, 2008). Cauffman (2008) believed that men externalizing their problems causes them
to engage in committing crimes. (Cauffman, 2008).
Similarities and Differences
There are multiple similarities between male and female offenders. One similarity is that
both male and female offenders tend to have lower resting heartbeats (Cauffman, 2008). Both
mal and female offenders tend to start his/her engagement in committing crimes around the same
age (Cauffman, 2008). Another similarity is that both male and female offenders are effected the
same by “ADHD, negative temperament, impulsivity, and compromised intelligence”
(Skrobecki, 2014). There are several differences between male and female offenders that should
be noted as well. Males tend to have more of a fight or flight response while female offenders on
the others hand have a tend and befriend response (Skrobecki, 2014). Female offenders tend to
have a much higher rate of being a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse than male offenders.
Female offenders are more likely than male offenders to view their parents in a more negative
light. Another difference to note is that male offenders are more likely than female offenders to
have a much longer criminal history.
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Conclusion
The crime rates of female offenders are quickly rising given the fact that female offenders are
now becoming more and more aggressive as well as their being an growing competition with the
crime rate of male offenders (Cauffman, 2008). It does seems as though, both male and female
offenders who are not getting the adequate education, support, and resources that is needed as
well proper mental health treatment are more likely to engage in a life of committing crimes.
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References
Cauffman, E. (2008). Understanding the female offender. The Future of Children
Skrobecki, D. (2014, January). Similarities and Differences Between Male & Female Offenders.
