The Division on Women and Crime (DWC) is a constitutent unit of the American Society of Criminology (ASC). Established in 1984 as the first division created within the ASC, the DWC replaced a Women's Caucus dating from 1977. Its primary purpose was "to bring together members of both sexes interested in discussing issues related to women of all ages who are professionals, victims and/or offenders in the criminal justice system." Prospective members signed petitions in September-October 1981 to form the Division. A final draft of the DWC Constitution was approved by the ASC Executive Board on November 6, 1982, and ratified in 1983. Formal DWC elections were held in 1984 and Dr. Phyllis Jo Baunach became the new Division's first Chairperson. The records contain the official archives of the organization, consisting of organizational documents, general and subject correspondence, annual reports and financial statements, minutes and agendas of general and Executive Board meetings, and membership lists. The bulk of the materials is correspondence between the Chair and Executive Board members relating to Division activities, such as elections of officers, award nominations, etc. The majority of the Division's work is undertaken by committees, hence the large volume of committee correspondence. To learn more about this collection, please see the finding aid.