Researchers call for more effective help for girls in crime

Researchers from VU Amsterdam and the WODC conclude that few demonstrably effective interventions exist for girls and young women involved in crime, calling for more treatments tailored to this group. Only one aggression-regulation therapy is currently considered promising in the Netherlands. Most existing treatments target boys, who commit the majority of crime, but girls often face different underlying issues such as anxiety disorders, poor parental relationships, or sexual violence. This mismatch means many interventions, especially lighter forms of home or youth care, may not suit girls' situations, according to criminologist Anne-Marie Slotboom. While girls have lower recidivism rates than boys, ineffective help can cause long-term harm like mental health struggles, debt, or parenting problems. Professionals are divided on separate girl-specific programs, with clinic De Waag reporting no evidence that girls benefit less from its individualized treatments. The study covered girls aged 12 to 27, mostly committing minor offenses like theft.