scholarly journals The Cycle of Female Prisoner (Re)Integration: Pathways, criminal justice and imprisonment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hannah Bentley

<p>With increasing rates of female imprisonment, and female prisoner re-imprisonment rates of 33% for first time prisoners and 48% for recidivist prisoners within four years, women’s experiences of (re)integration are in need of examination. Issues of abuse, addiction, economic, social and political deprivation and poor education are not only seen to underpin women’s pathways into crime, but also the treatment of female offenders within a system that has redefined their welfare needs as risks. Using a feminist, qualitative methodology that provides often unheard women with a voice, semi-structured interviews were conducted with female ex-prisoners and those who work with women once released from prison. Interviews examined women’s experiences of release and the areas that contribute to successful or unsuccessful (re)integration. Findings reveal that support networks, release conditions, employment, accommodation and treatment services are key factors that either help or hinder women’s (re)integration. Consistent with literature on women’s (re)integration, interviews further revealed that female offender pathways are not addressed prior to, during, or after release from prison. To address such problems, this thesis argues that collaborative, holistic, gender-specific programmes, that are tailored to meet women’s daily needs and experiences, are required both within the community and prisons.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hannah Bentley

<p>With increasing rates of female imprisonment, and female prisoner re-imprisonment rates of 33% for first time prisoners and 48% for recidivist prisoners within four years, women’s experiences of (re)integration are in need of examination. Issues of abuse, addiction, economic, social and political deprivation and poor education are not only seen to underpin women’s pathways into crime, but also the treatment of female offenders within a system that has redefined their welfare needs as risks. Using a feminist, qualitative methodology that provides often unheard women with a voice, semi-structured interviews were conducted with female ex-prisoners and those who work with women once released from prison. Interviews examined women’s experiences of release and the areas that contribute to successful or unsuccessful (re)integration. Findings reveal that support networks, release conditions, employment, accommodation and treatment services are key factors that either help or hinder women’s (re)integration. Consistent with literature on women’s (re)integration, interviews further revealed that female offender pathways are not addressed prior to, during, or after release from prison. To address such problems, this thesis argues that collaborative, holistic, gender-specific programmes, that are tailored to meet women’s daily needs and experiences, are required both within the community and prisons.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-441
Author(s):  
Tiffany L. Marcantonio ◽  
Malachi Willis ◽  
Kristen N. Jozkowski ◽  
Zoë D. Peterson ◽  
Terry Humphreys

Author(s):  
Posy Bidwell ◽  
Nick Sevdalis ◽  
Louise Silverton ◽  
James Harris ◽  
Ipek Gurol-Urganci ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a severe form of perineal trauma that can occur during vaginal birth. Long-term morbidities include anal incontinence and psychosocial disorders. To reduce these injuries within England, Scotland and Wales, the OASI Care Bundle was introduced to 16 maternity units (January 2017–March 2018). The OASI Care Bundle comprises four elements: (1) antenatal information, (2) manual perineal protection, (3) medio-lateral episiotomy (when indicated) and 4) recognition and diagnosis of tears. As part of the project evaluation, a qualitative study was conducted to explore women’s experiences of the OASI Care Bundle. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (n = 19) who received the OASI Care Bundle as part of their maternity care. This was to explore their experience of each element. A thematic analysis of the interview data was performed. Results Three themes were identified: (1) memories of touch, whereby women reported that a ‘hands-on’ approach to perineal protection was a positive experience; (2) midwife as a supportive guide, where women reported that good communication facilitated a calm birth and post-birth diagnosis; (3) education: women need more information about perineal trauma. Conclusion This study contributes to the literature through its exploration of women’s experiences of perineal protection techniques and diagnosis of perineal trauma. Interviewed women indicated that they did not experience any of the care bundle elements as an intrusion of their physical integrity. Additionally, an urgent need was identified for more information about perineal trauma in terms of risk, prevention and recovery.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-69
Author(s):  
Fauzia Ahmad

I explore British South Asian Muslim women’s experiences of higher education and how it impacts identity construction and negotiation. Through semi-structured interviews with thirty-five undergraduate and post-graduate Muslim female university students, I reflect on their perceived and actual experiences. By stressing how representations of them influence their participation and experiences, I analyze how individual subjectivities are mediated and negotiated while reflecting common experiences. I also consider their accounts of the social and personal benefits they felt that they gained during their studies, as well as to the more disturbing and racialized aspects of their experiences. They differentiated between three overlapping forms of beneficial experience: academic, social, and personal. While instances of anti-Muslim racism were rare or subtle, certain university structures and expectations of what being a mainstream student means often contributed to a noted sense of “othering.” I conclude by highlighting how their accounts of their university experiences directly challenge those stereotypes that misrepresent educated Muslim women as “religious and cultural rebels.”


2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097819
Author(s):  
Jodie Murphy-Oikonen ◽  
Karen McQueen ◽  
Ainsley Miller ◽  
Lori Chambers ◽  
Alexa Hiebert

One in four women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Although less than 5% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, one in five cases reported to police are deemed baseless (by police) and therefore coded as “unfounded.” Police officers are in a unique position to act as gatekeepers for justice in sexual assault cases, given their responsibility to investigate sexual assault reports. However, high rates of unfounded sexual assaults reveal that dismissing sexual violence has become common practice amongst the police. Much of the research on unfounded sexual assault is based on police perceptions of the sexual assault, as indicated in police reports. Women’s perspectives about their experiences with police are not represented in research. This qualitative study explored women’s experiences when their sexual assault report was disbelieved by the police. Data collection included open-ended and semi-structured interviews with 23 sexual assault survivors. Interviews covered four areas including the sexual assault, the experience with the police, the experience of not being believed, and the impact on their health and well-being. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVIVO for analysis. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s analytic method, resulting in the identification of four themes, including, (a) vulnerability, (b) drug and alcohol use during the assault, (c) police insensitivity, and (d) police process. The women in this study who experienced a sexual assault and reported the assault to police were hopeful that police would help them and justice would be served. Instead, these women were faced with insensitivity, blaming questions, lack of investigation, and lack of follow-up from the police, all of which contributed to not being believed by the institutions designed to protect them. The findings from this research demonstrate that police officers must gain a deeper understanding of trauma and sensitive communication with survivors of sexual assault.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1598-1609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Archer ◽  
Fiona G Holland ◽  
Jane Montague

This study explores the role of others in supporting younger women who opt not to reconstruct their breast post-mastectomy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s/40s. The women lived in England, had been diagnosed a minimum of 5 years previously and had undergone unilateral mastectomy. An interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes: Assuring the self: ‘I’ll love you whatever’, Challenging the self: ‘Do you mean I’m not whole?’ and Accepting the self: ‘I’ve come out the other side’. The women’s experiences of positive support and challenges to their sense of self are discussed.


SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824401770179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mira Elise Glaser Holthe ◽  
Eva Langvik

The objective of the study was to aid an understanding of women’s experiences of living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with special consideration of the role of stigma and gender-specific issues. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with five women aged 32 to 50 years, all diagnosed with ADHD as adults. The interviews were analyzed in accordance with thematic analysis. The data analyses were centered around five core themes: (a) from unidentified childhood ADHD to adult diagnosis, (b) present main symptoms and challenges, (c) conflict between ADHD symptoms and gender norms and expectations, (d) stigma of ADHD: “People think it’s a fake disease,” and (e) managing ADHD symptoms and identifying strengths. Despite their difficulties, all participants are highly educated and employed, and differ from common portrayals of individuals with ADHD as observably hyperactive, disruptive, or globally impaired. The participants are reluctant about disclosure of their diagnosis, due to fear of negative judgment and lack of understanding from others. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and targeting ADHD as a serious disorder that yields continuing, and even increasing, impairment in multiple areas into adulthood. Gender-specific issues of ADHD need to be examined further, particularly challenges associated with motherhood. Stigma and the conflict between ADHD symptoms and gender norms complicate women’s experiences of living with ADHD, and should be essential areas of focus in research, educational settings, and the media.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
Ángel SERRANO-AROCA ◽  
Joan Josep SOLAZ-PORTOLÉS

Even though the study of polymers is included in the school secondary curriculum in Spain, all the signs are that this topic is not being adequately addressed in the classroom. For this reason, this paper focuses on two key factors for polymers teaching and learning at secondary level: teachers and textbooks. A qualitative methodology, based on semi-structured interviews and a content analysis of textbooks, has been used. Six High School teachers have participated in this research. Attempts have been made to find out teachers' opinion about introducing contents of polymers in the classroom by means of semi-structured interviews. The content analysis of textbooks used in many schools of Spain has been carried out through the application of a assessment questionnaire. The results obtained as regards the polymers suggest that: a) Teachers provide only a limited amount of time for this topic in the curriculum; b) Textbooks do not include a large part of basic contents; and c) The low level of knowledge of students is justified by a) and b).


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Hadjigeorgiou ◽  
Constantina Katsie ◽  
Maria Papadopoulou ◽  
Maria Dolores Christofi ◽  
Andri Christoforou

Abstract Background and aim In 21st century, there has been an increasing interest in vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus, a country with a very high operative birth rate. Research-based evidence of women’s VBAC experiences in Cyprus is non-existent, despite its significance for the well-being of mothers and families. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the women’s lived experience of VBAC in Cyprus. In this study women’s experiences of VBAC are explored for the first time in Cyprus. Method The study is qualitative and exploratory in nature. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 women, who experienced vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for the analysis of data. Results Analysis of data yielded four major themes: (a) medicalization of childbirth, (b) preparing for a VBAC, (c) birth environment, and (d) healing through VBAC. On the whole, the women interviewed described their previous experience of CS as traumatic, in contrast to vaginal childbirth. VBAC was considered an utterly positive experience that made the women feel empowered and proud of themselves. Conclusion This study offers valuable insight into a newly researched subject in Cyprus, which is necessary for advancing perinatal care in Cyprus. The findings indicate that women need evidence-based information, guidelines on birthing options, good preparation with tailored information and personalized care for a successful vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section. Proper, non-biased, consultations are a main factor that affects women’s choice of mode of birth. The introduction of new, women-friendly perinatal strategies that respect and promote childbirth rights is imperative in the case of Cyprus. All women have the right to exercise informed choice and the choice to alternative birthing options.


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