Introduction

The collection of works in this second volume from the WFCJ network highlights several important and intersecting issues facing women and families experiencing punishment, abuse and (in)justice. When the WFCJ network was launched in 2018 we wanted to bring together like-minded individuals who were undertaking vital work with women and families, particularly those with personal experience of the criminal justice system (CJS). We feel strongly that these voices and experiences, if facilitated and disseminated more widely, could inform and shape positive change. The sharing of knowledge and the inclusion of conversations and debates remain key to our ongoing mission. We also believe that through collaboration and joint working, opportunities for change in policy, practice and research are more within our grasp. Together we are stronger. Recognising this potential and watching the network blossom through growing Twitter followers (@WomenFamilyCri1) and the seminar series (the latter which more recently moved online due to the ongoing pandemic) provided motivation to produce this second collection. As with the first volume, we hope that this book broadens the reach of the network to help us to achieve these commitments and acts as an important text that inspires action.

We are proud that the contributors represent different voices working in related fields, including academics, practitioners and service users, as this means that the discussions are varied and diverse. Reiterating the introduction, we felt it important to reflect on the representation of contributors hosted in the first volume – and network more widely. To that end we were delighted to be able to host chapters which reflect important, intersectional work that includes gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class-based discussions. It is perhaps interesting to note, however, that all of our authors self-identify as women, representing those involved in this area of work more generally – either through circumstance or choice. This identification will be something that will be considered in future collections, and we would welcome future chapter/seminar proposals from our diverse membership. Indeed, although we have attempted to highlight areas which were absent from the previous edition, our job is not done and, in the future, we would like to explore challenges faced in relation to disability and gender, and also include contributions from our international members.