Abstract
The last decades’ increase in female incarceration has translated into an increasing number of women being released from prison. Understanding their characteristics and criminal trajectories can enlighten us regarding the different needs of women upon re-entering society after incarceration. Drawing on data from the Reinserción, Desistimiento y Reincidencia en Mujeres Privadas de Libertad en Chile study, this article identifies different profiles among a cohort of 225 women who were released from prison in Santiago, Chile, and demonstrates that significant heterogeneity exists among them in terms of their criminal trajectories and the intervention needs to support their transition out of prison.
Highlights
The increase in the population of incarcerated people over the last few decades has subsequently increased the number of people who are released from prison
We identify and characterise different profiles among a cohort of women who have been released from prison in Santiago, Chile’s capital city
The present study explores the characteristics of a sample of women who were released from prison in Santiago, Chile, to assess whether there are different profiles of incarcerated women and to contribute to the development of tailored interventions that account for the specific characteristics and needs of this population
Summary
The increase in the population of incarcerated people over the last few decades has subsequently increased the number of people who are released from prison. Most of our current understanding about offending is based on research conducted among male offenders, a substantial body of research exists that, from the feminist perspective, analyses the distinctive criminal trajectories of female offending and the specific needs of women re-entering society after being incarcerated (Belknap 2007; Brennan et al 2012; Daly 1992; Salisbury et al 2017; Simpson et al 2008). We identify and characterise different profiles among a cohort of women who have been released from prison in Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Based on a set of indicators that have been derived from the literature, we use latent class analysis (LCA) to identify different groups among this cohort of women offenders. After describing each group in terms of sociodemographic variables and life histories of offending and victimisation, we discuss policy suggestions for addressing the differences between the identified groups
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
