This chapter examines what we mean by the term ‘gender identity’ and explores both our understanding of gender diversity within forensic settings and best practice when working with gender diverse individuals. It endeavours to provide understanding and reflective considerations to help forensic practitioners to work in gender affirming approaches and considers the difficulties and experiences that gender minority individuals have within forensic settings and how this needs consideration alongside other areas of forensic concern. Gender minority is defined as individuals whose gender identity or expression is different from their sex assigned at birth. It is recognised that within forensic populations cisgender females are also a minority in regard to their gender; however, this is not included within the general definition of this term. This chapter will also provide information and guidance to inform clinical decision-making regarding risk assessment and risk management, as well as formulations and intervention considerations to work towards a reduction in offending recidivism and ensure public protection. Whilst forensic psychologists are not gender identity specialists, individuals from gender minority populations within forensic settings will often interact with forensic psychologists prior to accessing more specialist gender identity-related care. Thus, the approach and responsiveness to gender needs are critical to ensuring adequate support to affirm their gender journey. Forensic psychologists can be an important part of one’s journey, not only in terms of their risk management but also in working towards gender congruence and well-being. This chapter has been compiled through examination and extrapolation of the limited research around gender and offending behaviour, as well as being based upon practitioner observations and experiences. This developed the authors’ expertise in this area, as well as through their experience working with gender minority individuals within forensic settings. The case studies used are fictitious and not associated with any real person. They have been created as hypothetical case studies by the author to support understanding and context for the chapters’ ideas and conclusions. The overarching areas and conclusions drawn within this chapter have been devised to increase awareness of working effectively and responsively with this population and support the reader with their understanding of gender minority individuals and forensic risk. The conclusions and examples given are therefore the authors own thoughts and opinions on this subject.

Gender Diverse Populations in Forensic Settings

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发表日期：

2026年

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Kimberley Cox

摘要

This chapter examines what we mean by the term ‘gender identity’ and explores both our understanding of gender diversity within forensic settings and best practice when working with gender diverse individuals. It endeavours to provide understanding and reflective considerations to help forensic practitioners to work in gender affirming approaches and considers the difficulties and experiences that gender minority individuals have within forensic settings and how this needs consideration alongside other areas of forensic concern. Gender minority is defined as individuals whose gender identity or expression is different from their sex assigned at birth. It is recognised that within forensic populations cisgender females are also a minority in regard to their gender; however, this is not included within the general definition of this term. This chapter will also provide information and guidance to inform clinical decision-making regarding risk assessment and risk management, as well as formulations and intervention considerations to work towards a reduction in offending recidivism and ensure public protection. Whilst forensic psychologists are not gender identity specialists, individuals from gender minority populations within forensic settings will often interact with forensic psychologists prior to accessing more specialist gender identity-related care. Thus, the approach and responsiveness to gender needs are critical to ensuring adequate support to affirm their gender journey. Forensic psychologists can be an important part of one’s journey, not only in terms of their risk management but also in working towards gender congruence and well-being. This chapter has been compiled through examination and extrapolation of the limited research around gender and offending behaviour, as well as being based upon practitioner observations and experiences. This developed the authors’ expertise in this area, as well as through their experience working with gender minority individuals within forensic settings. The case studies used are fictitious and not associated with any real person. They have been created as hypothetical case studies by the author to support understanding and context for the chapters’ ideas and conclusions. The overarching areas and conclusions drawn within this chapter have been devised to increase awareness of working effectively and responsively with this population and support the reader with their understanding of gender minority individuals and forensic risk. The conclusions and examples given are therefore the authors own thoughts and opinions on this subject.