Charities and pressure groups

• Strong commitment


  Charities are sometimes better placed to reduce offending and reoffending than government agencies due to their strong commitment to one particular group or issue and specialist knowledge of people's needs. They are also strongly motivated to help and may therefore go the extra mile in a way that government or privatised agencies may not do.
• Women in Prison


  WIP has won the support of a number of MPs as well as members of the public for its campaigns. As a charity, WIP provides a range of support for women in prison. This includes:

  A freephone helpline to provide support and guidance to women prisoners. Referring women to other specialist agencies. Delivering the CARE programme (Choices, Actions, Relationships, Emotions) for women in prison for violent offending who have a history of self-harm, suicide attempts, mental health problems or substance misuse.
• Gaps in provision


  One limitation of charities and pressure groups in achieving social control is that they are voluntary organisations. This means that they only exist where people are concerned about a particular issue or group.
• Media reporting


  If a group of victims is portrayed sympathetically, this may increase support for charities that work with the group. If the media demonise a particular category of offender, it will be harder for charities that work with them to build support.
• Funding


  It is easier to persuade the public to donate funds for some groups of causes than for others that might be equally important or deserving. National and local governments also fund charities to provide certain services but they too will only do so if it fits with their political and financial priorities.