Women Prisoners’ Sexual Victimisation: Ongoing Vulnerabilities and Possible Responses
Lorana Bartels and Patricia Easteal (2016) Women Prisoners’ Sexual Victimisation: Ongoing Vulnerabilities and Possible Responses. Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice 2 (3): 206 – 216
Posted: 21 Sep 2016
Date Written: September 20, 2016
Abstract
he purpose of this paper is to explore the incidence and impact of exposure to sexual victimisation for women in the criminal justice system. Key ongoing vulnerabilities in respect of mental health and substance abuse, and their contribution to women’s offending, are examined. Treatment responses to address these women’s trauma in custodial settings are then discussed. It is argued that a therapeutic approach is required to provide a holistic response to victimised women offenders. Unfortunately, instead of doing so, many prisons’ ethos and approaches may actually produce a further layer of vulnerability. The paper concludes with commentary on future directions for research and practice.
Keywords: Substance abuse, Mental illness, Women, Trauma, Prison, Sexual victimization
JEL Classification: K40, K49
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation