Whipping by Women

In the accounts of the constable of this parish for the year 1644, there are the following items: "Paid to two men for watching Ellen Shaw, she beinge accused for felonie 0 3 0 "Paid to a woman for whippinge ye said Ellen Shaw 0 0 4 "Paid for beare for her after she was whipped 0 0 3." Was it the usual custom for women sentenced to whipping to be consigned to the tender mercies of one of their own sex?