Understanding the ‘walk of shame’: exploring the experiences of individuals with sexual convictions who have been recalled from open conditions in England and Wales

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of people sent to prison for a sexual offence, yet there is a lack of research exploring the experiences of those with sexual convictions within the prison system, and the factors that help or hinder their progression towards release. This research aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with sexual convictions who have progressed to an open prison but have been recalled back to a closed prison. The research took a qualitative approach, undertaking semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals who had moved back to a closed prison. Thematic analysis was used, eliciting two main themes. First, failure was the only option, relays how participants felt they were bound to fail at open conditions, largely due to a lack of information which meant they did not know what to expect, and a lack of support upon arrival. They also felt stigmatised because of their convictions. A different world centres around participants reporting entering into an unfamiliar environment in open conditions, leaving them unsettled. It also describes the difficulties participants had adjusting to the freedom of open conditions but also the delays they experienced. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.