Women have traditionally been invisible in studies of crime which have focused primarily on male offenders. However, women do commit crimes, though often different types of crimes than men and for different underlying reasons. A more complete and balanced understanding of crime requires acknowledging the roles and experiences of both female offenders and victims.

2. Heidensohn suggests the following reasons for the ‘Invisibility’ of females in the
sociology of crime:

3. Susan Atkins, Leslie
Van Houten and
Patricia Krenwinkel
Myra Hindley Constance Kent
Aileen Wuornos