Committee: UNW Sr.

Topic: Should gender bias play a role in criminal justice

Country: Commonwealth of Australia.

School: DPS Neelbad

Gender bias refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender, and it can manifest in
various aspects of the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing.
Gender bias is a global issue: many women are underrepresented, and men face harsher sentences. These
issues have myriad causes, including cultural beliefs about gender and marital roles, and legal regulation.
These detrimental inequalities are cyclical and complex. Crimes involving violence against women are
among the most under-reported and the least likely to end in conviction. Survivors often face significant
obstacles due to gaps in criminal law and procedure, gender stereotypes, victim blaming and inadequate
responses of criminal justice institutions and professionals, leading to secondary victimization. There is a
corresponding overrepresentation of sexually abused girls in contact with the criminal justice system.
There is a particular need for additional safeguards and therapeutic supports in custodial settings.