Female Prisoners Research Articles

Burden of scabies in a Ghanaian penitentiary.

There is a dearth of information concerning the epidemiology of human scabies in prisons. Therefore, we aimed to assess the burden of scabies and ascertain if prevalence was high enough to warrant mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin in a medium security prison in central Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional study in December 2022 and recruited inmates at the Kumasi central prison in Ghana. Medical history and demographic information was collected using a REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination of exposed regions of the body was performed on all participants and scabies was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). Of the 559 participants, 19 (3.4%) were female. The median (IQR) age was 36 (33-40) years. There were 368 cases (65.8%) of scabies which was mostly located on the hands, fingers and finger webs. No female inmate had scabies. Scabies severity was predominantly mild (63.3%) or moderate (30.7%). Among males, the median (IQR) number of persons per cell was 115 (56-118) and 7 (7-8) for female prisoners. 79.2% of 96 individuals previously treated in the preceding two months still demonstrated skin manifestations of scabies. Impetigo was found in 12.9% of participants. Seventeen percent of participants with scabies had impetigo compared to 5.8% in individuals without scabies [RR 2.9 (95% CI 1.6-5.5)]. A very high proportion of inmates suffered from scabies in the prison. MDA with ivermectin and health education are needed to reduce the burden of scabies in the prison. Its implementation and effectiveness should be studied.

Exploring aggressive emotions in women in prison: the role of empathy and perceived social support in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination experiences

BackgroundThe recent increase in the population of women in prison within the societal context of China has shifted attention towards understanding the unique psychological and social dynamics distinct from those traditionally associated with man offenders. Growing evidence suggests that childhood experiences of discrimination play a crucial role in shaping the aggressive behaviors observed among women in prison. This underscores the necessity for an in-depth examination of the psychological and societal foundations of these behaviors.ObjectiveThis study seeks to elucidate the roles of empathy and perceived social support (PSS) in moderating the effects of childhood discrimination on aggression among women in prison. It aims to provide insights that could inform effective intervention and prevention strategies. Participants and Setting: The study involved 411 women in prison from correctional facilities across two provinces in China. Data were collected through paper-based surveys distributed from May to June 2024.MethodsParticipants responded to the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, analysis of variance, and parallel multiple mediation models. These analyses were conducted using SPSS and a PROCESS macro to test statistical hypotheses.ResultsResults demonstrated significant associations between high levels of childhood discrimination and increased aggressive emotions and behaviors in adulthood. Mediation analysis indicated that both affective empathy and PSS significantly mediated these relationships. Affective empathy was found to intensify emotional responses leading to aggression, while PSS acted as a buffering mechanism that mitigated these adverse outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the pivotal moderating roles of empathy and social support in the aggression dynamics observed among women in prison, influenced by early experiences of discrimination. The study advocates for targeted interventions that enhance empathic abilities and bolster social support networks to reduce aggression and aid in rehabilitation. These insights foster the development of nuanced approaches to addressing the needs of women in prison and have significant implications for policy and practice in correctional and rehabilitative settings.

An epidemiological investigation of the prevalence of digestive diseases in the older prisoner population in Taiwan

ObjectiveThe prison population has been increasing globally, and prisoner health is an important issue of global health. However, it has not received sufficient attention, especially in developing countries and regions. Among all the prisoners, the health status of older prisoners requires special attention due to their declining health and energy. This study aims to assess the prevalence of digestive diseases among older prisoners in Taiwan.MethodsData on older prisoners from the National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1 to December 31, 2013, were used in this study. Digestive diseases were assessed in 2,215 older prisoners using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). We identified the most common digestive diseases and explored any sex-specific differences in their prevalence.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of digestive system diseases among the prisoners was 51.56%. Older women prisoners had a higher prevalence (62.68%) compared to men prisoners in general (50.80%). Diseases with a prevalence > 10% include esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases; diseases of the oral cavity, salivary glands, and jaws; and other intestinal and peritoneal diseases. Women prisoners showed a significantly higher prevalence of diseases of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, non-infectious enteritis, and colitis.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a considerable number of older prisoners in Taiwan experienced digestive diseases, which may be attributable to general deterioration of physical function and poor resistance. Early detection and treatment are crucial for these conditions, and it is important to maintain human rights and justice in prison systems.

Medical skin camouflage for women in prison with self-harm scars (COVER): randomised feasibility study

ABSTRACT Far more women prisoners self-harm than women in the community or men in prison. There has been little focus on the effects on prisoners of living with self-harm scars. Medical skin camouflage (MSC), designed to cover skin disfigurement, improves quality of life for people in the community with dermatological, burn, surgical or accidental scars or marks. Its use in prison for self-harm scars has not been evaluated. COVER tested the feasibility and acceptability of a wait-list control RCT of peer-delivered MSC for women prisoners with self-harm scars, at one prison. We provide evidence of feasibility to recruit, randomise and retain women in prison in an RCT design using strategies minimising attrition from transfer between prisons or release (51 recruited, 11.8% attrition). We successfully randomised women prisoners and collected outcome measures over 12 weeks from baseline. We report improvements in the primary outcome, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale at follow-up for intervention and control groups and valuable information to inform an economic analysis. Important lessons were learnt, applicable to other research within this unique environment, about minimising attrition and successfully involving prisoners in peer-delivered interventions. Participants and staff found the intervention acceptable and suggested it improves women’s confidence and self-esteem.

PUBLIC POLICIES DEVELOPED IN WOMEN'S PRISONS IN ARGENTINA

The main objective of this study is to analyze public policies aimed at disrupting women's prisons in Argentina, seeking to understand their implications for social reintegration, reducing recidivism, and respecting the human rights of incarcerated women. The study addresses programs developed in the prison context for women, analyzing the conditional guidelines of international organizations, as well as Argentine legislation that aims to promote the dignity and rehabilitation of these inmates. Based on a theoretical and methodological review, questions were raised about relative gender inequalities, the conditions of incarceration, and the challenges of resocialization. The theoretical framework includes studies on gender, criminal policies, and human rights, providing a critical and multidimensional view. A qualitative approach was used, with documentary analysis and interviews with professionals in the prison system. The final considerations reveal that, although there has been progress in external policies for the female prison population, inequalities persist and deactivate greater attention from the State and civil society. It is concluded that the effectiveness of policies depends on an integrated approach, focusing on empowering women and combating the conditions of social exclusion that many face before and after incarceration.

Education and Art: A Possibility of Freedom for Minors in Captivity

This paper seeks to expose the problems experienced in women's prisons in Colombia, with respect to those who are mothers with loss of liberty. It addresses the right to education of children in captivity and the possibilities that the DIAR programs oriented by the ICBF offer to validate this right, bringing educational strategies to prisons to assist minors in their first three years of life. Likewise, the reflection on the contributions that the development of the arts can offer in educational scenarios other than the institutions created for that purpose is linked, and that, despite the state of captivity of the children, provides exercises of artistic creation, allowing the minors to live freedom in other ways.

Postfeminism in prison: A discourse analysis of women correctional officers’ accounts of gendered appearance at work

This article explores sense-making among female prison workers as they negotiate their appearance at work. Appearance is a vehicle through which gender is performed; yet research into how women account for their appearance in this male-dominated profession remains limited. We address this gap through an analysis of 16 women's accounts of their appearance work produced from an in-depth cooperative inquiry with women working in Australian men's prisons. We discuss three overarching patterns of talk, “look good, feel good, be good,” “my choice, not yours,” and “look good, but not too good.” These accounts showed both alignments and tensions between (a) postfeminist imperatives to meet feminine appearance norms and (b) an organisational culture that devalues normative femininity but values attention to appearance. In this context, our participants developed individualised solutions, crafting their appearance in ways that would consolidate their own sense of identity and communicate their professional value to others. We find that exploring women's sense-making of appearance at work provides a critical avenue to understand the manifestation of sexism within organisations.

Antibiotic prescribing in health and justice settings (HJS)-surveillance and opportunities for quality improvement

Abstract Introduction Improving surveillance of antibiotic prescribing and reducing health inequalities in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are priorities in the new 5 year AMR national action plan (2024-2029)1. People in contact with the justice system are one of the inclusion groups in the CORE20plus5, a national NHE England approach to support reduction of health inequalities.2 Aim This project aimed to collate and analyse all antibiotic prescribing data from English prisons in order to identify opportunities for quality improvement. Method This project analysed antibiotic prescribing data from September 2022 to current date for the first time in HJS from the IT system used in all prisons in England. No ethical approval is required as surveillance is of anonymised data only. Data was broken down by age band (18 and under, 19-49, 50 and over), category of prison, region, ICB, individual prison and antibiotic type. The dashboard allows benchmarking across sites and comparison with primary care, as prisoners in HJS are considered to have similar infections to primary care patients. Results The majority of prescribing is in male prisoners, reflecting the male/female population split. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics are those used for: skin and soft tissue (including acne), respiratory tract, dental and urinary tract infections. A number of focus areas for quality improvement have been identified, including: Broad spectrum antibiotics (Cephalosporins, Co-amoxiclav and Quinolones), target of <10% total antibiotic prescribing in primary care, in HJS, currently 11%. Appropriate quinolone prescribing is a target in all settings due to recent MHRA alert3. Acne prescribing represents a significant proportion of antibiotic prescribing in HJS. Lymecycline 12%, whereas in primary care <3%. Duration of Antibiotic Courses: In primary care there is a medicines optimisation opportunity ambition to achieve 75% prescribing amoxicillin 500mg as 5 day duration. In HJS only 27% is for 5 days. When prescribing 100mg doxycycline for respiratory infections, NICE guidance recommends a 5 day course, but in HJS only 3% is prescribed as a 5 day course. For UTI in female prisons, nitrofurantoin 100mg MR is most commonly prescribed, NICE guidance for UTI in women is for 3 days; 47% in HJS are for 3 days, but 35% are 7 day courses. Discussion and Conclusion This dashboard provides insight into antibiotic prescribing data allowing opportunities for quality improvement opportunities to be identified and antimicrobial stewardship interventions to be evaluated. This work will progress to tackle the focus areas identified. Next steps are to work with antibiotic champions from HJS to co-produce intervention plans, share patient safety messages, trial available resources, rollout interventions and monitor impact via the dashboard. Limitations Indications are not available from the data but extrapolated from the antibiotic prescribed. The dashboard is currently an excel spreadsheet in NHSE. It will be moved to a platform that enables access by individual prisons.

The Gender-Crime Convergence across Race-Ethnicities: Testing Mismatched Liberation Theory with an Intersectional Lens

This paper examines the mismatched liberation perspective to explain the gender ratio of imprisonment across U.S. racial/ethnic groups. The theory posits that a misalignment between women’s cultural aspirations and societal means to achieve them leads to higher female crime rates compared to male. Utilizing U.S. data from 1980 to 2019, the paper constructs measures of mismatched liberation by examining varied cultural and social structures across racial/ethnic groups. Results reveal that the narrowing gender gap in crime is primarily a White phenomenon. However, the ubiquitous experiences of mismatched liberation significantly contribute to the increased share of female incarceration across all groups.

Evaluation Of The Influence Of Reframing On Intermittentexplosive Disorder Among Female Inmates’ Violence Towards Male Partner In Selected Women Prisons, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study helped to evaluate the influence of reframing on intermittent explosive disorder. The study was anchored on Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and self-evaluation maintenance theory by Abraham Tesser. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guides from the prison key informants. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings showed there was a statistically nonsignificant positive relationship between reframing and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = .051, p = .417]. Increase in intensity of frame shift, target thoughts and evidence of thoughts led to increased traits of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes mbased on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons. Reframing as a technique would provide solutions on the past painful memories of the inmates; optimistically avoid violence and keep away from crime

Examination Of The Influence Of Problem Solving On Intermittent Explosive Disorder Among Female Inmates’ Violence Towards Male Partner In Selected Women Prisons, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guides from the prison key informants. Target population was 1023 inmates. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study also revealed that there was a statistically non-significant negative relationship between problem solving and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = -.029, p = .639] with increase intensity of problem-solving indicators, there was decrease in the severity of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes based on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons

Otherness Within the Otherness: Discrimination of Muslim Female Prisoners in the Prison System of Habsburg Bosnia

Otherness Within the Otherness: Discrimination of Muslim Female Prisoners in the Prison System of Habsburg Bosnia

Pengaruh Beban Kerja dan Pembinaan Disiplin terhadap Kinerja Staf Bagian Kesatuan Pengamanan Rutan dan Subseksi Rutan Perempuan Kelas IIA Bandung

The decline in staff performance reviewed from the aspect of assessing the performance of the Bandung Class IIA Women's Prison staff still needs to be improved. The purpose of this study is to see the influence of workload and discipline coaching on performance partially and simultaneously. The study uses quantitative methods and questionnaires with interval scales as data collection. The research population is 32 staff of the Bandung Class IIA Women's Detention Center. Samples were taken using a saturated sampling technique. Data processing was analyzed using multiple regression analysis and hypothesis tests using partial (t-test) and simultaneous (F-test). This study proves that workload has a negative and significant effect on staff performance partially. Discipline coaching has a positive and significant effect on staff performance. Meanwhile, simultaneously workload and discipline coaching have a significant effect on staff performance.

Peer mentoring and identity transformation in a women’s prison

Purpose This study examined the impact of peer mentoring on identity transformation amongst women in prison, exploring how peer mentoring roles develop non-offender identities, contributing to the desistance process. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, interpretative approach was adopted. The research was undertaken at a female prison in England and Wales. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with peer mentors, mentees, project workers and prison officers, alongside focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. Findings Being a peer mentor contributes positively to identity transformation for women in prison, fostering a legitimate, non-offender identity critical to the desistance process. Mentors view their role as a desistance signal through their interactions with prison staff. However, it can lead to role conflict and tension with other women in prison and prison staff. Research limitations/implications Future studies should consider longitudinal approaches to capture the long-term effects of peer mentoring upon desistance. Practical implications Recommendations include leveraging peer mentoring as a rehabilitative intervention, providing ongoing support for mentors and educating prison staff on programme benefits to foster a supportive environment. Social implications Enhancing peer mentoring programmes can improve the well-being of women in prison and support their reintegration into society. Originality/value This study examined identity transformation in female peer mentors in prison through the lens of social identity and group membership. To the author’s knowledge, no previous studies have focused centrally on identity or applied social identity theory to explore the psychological mechanisms behind these transformations.

Association between attachment dimensions and empathy with future orientation and resilience in a sample of women in detention: a multicenter study

The well-being of women in detention has been associated with specific psychological variables. Future orientation and resilience could improve well-being and promote successful reintegration into society. Noteworthy, these variables could be influenced by the quality of primary relationships and empathic abilities. Considering the previous research, studying these associations in women in a detention context could be relevant. The present research aims to examine the associations between attachment dimensions, empathy, nationality, and civil status, with future orientation in a sample of women prisoners in Italy. Ninety women in detention completed three self-report scales (Attachment Style Questionnaire, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Design my Future) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results showed an association between a secure attachment dimension, higher ability to fantasize, lower personal distress, and the presence of romantic experiences with higher resilience. Moreover, a secure attachment dimension and a migrant condition were associated with a higher future orientation. Personalized psychological interventions should help women in detention to build secure and trusting relationships -both real and internalized ones- supporting empathic abilities, increasing their resilience, and developing realistic plans for the future. The role of the specific expectations related to romantic experiences and different cultural conditions should be considered in the personalized psychological intervention.

Incarceration Postpartum: Is There a Right to Prison Nurseries?

Rising rates of female incarceration within the United States are incompatible with the lack of federal standards outlining the rights of incarcerated mothers and their children. A robust body of evidence demonstrates that prison nurseries, programmes designed for mothers to keep their infants under their care during detainment or incarceration, provide essential and beneficial care that could not otherwise be achieved within the current carceral infrastructure. These benefits include facilitation of breastfeeding, bonding during a critical period of child development, and decreased recidivism rates for participants. Legal precedent exists to support the rights of the mother to continue to parent their child but remains in stark opposition to current prison infrastructure that could allow them to do so. Existing state policies also have inconsistent mechanisms for determining child eligibility and should move to centre decision-making on a case-by-case basis. This work will demonstrate that a just society, supported by law and ensuring maternal-child welfare supports the establishment of prison nursery programmes as a part of the existing right to healthcare for incarcerated individuals.

‘Shultsloze Ferpeynikte Neshomes’ – ‘Vulnerable, Tormented Souls’: Gendered Wounds, Sexualized Violence, and Jewish Masculinity in the Yiddish Testimonies of the Sonderkommando in Auschwitz-Birkenau

ABSTRACT This article focuses on an eyewitness account titled ‘Di 3000 Nakete’ – ‘The 3000 Naked Ones’ by Leyb Langfus, which is part of the Yiddish testimonies of the Sonderkommando. My case study aims to engage with the issues of gendered violence (sexualized, physical, psychological, and spiritual) and the male gaze. The article explores the dynamics between the male Sonderkommando members and the female prisoners, arguing that the men responded to the tormented women within the context of their Jewish masculinity. This response was ambiguous and contradictory, communicating their power as well as their despair and powerlessness. Narratives of Jewish masculinity during the Khurbm often neglect to evaluate the range of Jewish male victims’ responses and choices. In his text, Langfus aims to comprehend the mental and emotional conditions in which the Sonderkommando prisoners and the female prisoners found themselves, illustrating the interactions between the two groups. I argue that the Yiddish Sonderkommando testimonies exemplify the intricate and ambivalent nature of Jewish masculinity. They provide a complex example of how gender influences one’s understanding of acts of violence, including the roles of both perpetrators and victims. The responses of the Jewish male Sonderkommando challenge our current perceptions and assumptions about Jewish masculinity during the Khurbm.

Women Making War: Female Confederate Prisoners and Union Military Justice

Women Making War: Female Confederate Prisoners and Union Military Justice

CRIMINOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FEMALE IMPRISONMENT FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

This article aims, as the proposed theme suggests, to analyze the crime of drug trafficking committed by women, critically verifying the conditioning factors of female criminality. The research question that guides this research is: what factors condition the entry of women into the practice of the crime of drug trafficking? Based on the question presented, the phenomenon of female criminality in drug trafficking was analyzed from a critical perspective, seeking to understand, through studies of marginal feminist criminology and theories that justify entry into criminal activity, the main motivations that influence women's entry into the crime in question. Once the research problem was overcome, alternatives capable of producing positive effects regarding the reduction of female incarceration for drug trafficking were sought, highlighting that decarceration measures present themselves as a possible solution to the problem, since the current prohibitionist drug policy is ineffective. Thus, to achieve the results obtained in this research, the following methodological techniques and procedures were used: i) bibliographic review in works of social sciences, criminal law and criminology, as well as authors who focus on women's relationships with crime from a feminist theoretical framework; ii) analysis of quantitative and qualitative data extracted from official bodies, paying attention to the limitations they present, since there is a great restriction of information.

Специфика психических состояний осужденных женщин, содержащихся в местах лишения свободы с малолетними детьми

Introduction. The aim of the empirical study was to research the mental states of convicted women with young children. The study sample consisted of 153 convicted women with young children serving their sentences in a correctional institution. The study was conducted on the basis of the State Department of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Kemerovo Region, the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Moscow Region, the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Vladimir Region, the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Mordovia. The scientific problem is to study the mental states of convicted women with young children. Research methods and techniques. The following set of methods was used to study mental states: ‘16-factor personality questionnaire - 16 PF’, form C (R. Kettell), “Depression scale” (A. Beck), clinical questionnaire for identification and assessment of neurotic states (K. K. Yakhin, D. M. Mendelevich), methodology for determining the dominant mental state “Dominant state” (L. V. Kulikov), questionnaire for studying the level of aggression (A. Bass and A. Darkey). The results of the conducted research were the identification of mental states of convicted women in prison with young children. It was established that negative mental states (tension, emotional instability, frustration, anxiety, irritation, depression, anxiety) prevail among these women.They are expressed fatigue, hysteria, vegetative disorders, which are manifested in unpleasant or painful somatic sensations. A high level of aggression and hostility has been diagnosed. The revealed negative mental states need timely psychological correction.