Nigel, I would also note that further back in history, during Medieval days, in addition to a lack of specially less-severe punishments for women criminals (so popular since at least Victorian times), there were punishments specifically for women who abused husbands, and for women who stirred up conflict with nasty gossip and lies. Not only were there physical punishments like the scold's bridle, but such were often implemented in public situations designed to engender shame, such as parading the wearer down the street.