In 1985, 60% of crimes committed by women were property-related; over 50% were theft or fraud. This represents more than twice the proportion of men charged with these offenses. "Women's participation in property offenses is consistent with their traditional roles as consumers and, increasingly, as low income, semi-skilled, sole support providers for their families. In keeping with the rapid increase in female-headed households and the stresses associated with poverty, greater numbers of women are being charged with shoplifting, cheque forging and welfare fraud," writes Johnson.

Another crime typically associated with women in conflict with the law is prostitution, which thrives in a society which values women more for their sexuality than for their labour. The commodification of women is fuelled by the economic stresses experienced most acutely by young, poorly educated women who are unable to find other employment. In addition, prostitution among teenagers is associated with high rates of physical and/or sexual abuse in the family of origin. Young girls who run away from intolerably abusive fathers often find themselves in even more abusive situations on the street, and are at higher risk for identification and eventual arrest.

A great deal of media attention has been paid recently to statistics indicating that crimes of violence among women are on the upswing. Indeed, almost 7,000 charges were laid against women in 1985 for crimes involving violence, up from less than 1,200 in 1965. Research in this area indicates that these crimes consist for the most part of acts of retaliation or rebellion against abusive or exploitative relationships. Over 60% of homicides committed by women in 1985 occurred in cases in which the offender was related to the victim, either by marriage or in a common-law relationship.

Crimes committed by women may be seen as symptoms of the sense of futility and desperation which accompany a desperate life situation, whether it stems from poverty, homelessness, or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. This is borne out by the available information regarding incarcerated women; for many, alcohol has played a part in their imprisonment; and 34% of women admitted to provincial institutions are there because they are poor -- they defaulted on fine payments. Johnson notes that "for some, life is a revolving door of theft or alcoholism and jail."