Findings revealed a high level of physical and mental coercion exercised by male associates on female offenders. Imprisoned women reported widespread use of devices of males ranging from various forms of manipulation to direct physical coercion in order to ensure female compliance with their criminal activities. Women who became emotionally involved with men with criminal lifestyles stood a good chance of being dragged into their criminal activities, even if it was against the women’s better judgment. In some cases, the women even agreed to take the blame for their men when they had not broken the law. The situation was exacerbated by drug addiction. In a small number of cases, women blamed the men for their drug addiction; more often, the men would manipulate an existing drug addiction to ensure compliance and submission. Although the criminal justice system relies on a clear distinction between a wholly innocent victim and a completely guilty offender, these results suggests the dichotomy of “rational agent” or “unwilling victim” in relation to manipulated female offenders. The implications of these findings for the criminal liability and sentencing of women are discussed. Data were collected from 50 sentenced adult women who were interviewed in an English prison. Notes, references