Female Prisoners Research Articles

Analysis of drug-impregnated paper samples seized in English prisons between 2018 and 2020

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the form of impregnated papers delivered to prisoners are of particular concern in prison settings, where they are commonly used by vaping. The purpose of this study was to create a qualitative method for identifying the various emerging NPS impregnated onto paper samples sent to prisoners. It helps to demonstrate that these findings can be used to predict drug prevalence and trends in prisons. Between 2018 and 2020, 1250 non-judicial paper samples seized from 12 English prisons were analysed to determine the NPSs being circulated. Approximately 1 cm2 paper were cut and added to 50 % (v/v) methanol in LCMS-grade water. Vortex-mixing was used to prepare extracts (30 min). Q-TOF LC/MS was used to screen the extracts. This study showed that synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) was the most common drug group detected in impregnated paper seizures in English prisons between 2018 and 2020, followed by cocaine, heroin type drugs (A) and amphetamine, ketamine type drugs (B). Male prisons had a higher prevalence of SCRAs, whereas female prisons had a higher prevalence of A drugs. Furthermore, lower security prisons were found to have a higher prevalence of B drugs, pregabalin, gabapentin type drugs (C), and abused and prescription drugs than higher security prisons which unveiled a higher prevalence of nicotine. The findings of this study have revealed new information about drug use in prisons. This study will also aid in the identification of drug smuggling routes into jails, keeping prison staff up to date with the trends.

Factors Attributed to Crime Causation among Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Rural Jail in the Philippines

Beyond every crime that happens because of different factors or reasons. Understanding the factors that cause crime is necessary to find ways and means to counter the reasons for the crimes and to recommend possible solutions. Other important of understanding the causes of crime include; pinpointing risk factors can help crime prevention managers where to allocate funds; safety and security for the society are attained hence programs to deter crimes are crafted, and law enforcement agencies can determine how society will help in mitigating the effects of crime This study was conducted to determine the factors why the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Mountain Province District Jail (MPDJ), Philippines committed crimes; and also, to craft a program to address the surfaced factors why PDLs in MPDJ committed crimes. The study employed a qualitative-descriptive research design. Although the MPDJ covers male and female dorms, only sixteen male PDLs serve as the study’s participants because there was no sentenced district female prisoner incarcerated when the study was conducted. An interview was employed to gather the data needed for the study. The participants' responses during the interview were recorded and noted using paper and pen. In light of the findings from the study, PDLs in Mountain Province District Jail committed crimes because of internal and external factors. Specifically, it includes; pleasure, impulsivity, and uncontrolled emotion for internal factors, while external factors that caused them to commit crime include; the influence of liquor, lack of education, peer influence, and poverty. Programs to address the surfaced factors why PDLs in Mountain Province District Jail committed crimes include; skill building, information dissemination, and training programs for livelihood.

The Unintended Effects of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in a Maximum-Security Prison for Women: Weaponization, Bullying, and Compulsory Heterosexuality

Research on the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) has overwhelmingly focused on male correctional institutions, neglecting female ones. Sexual violence is also of concern within female prisons, and the need arises to understand whether PREA is achieving the goal of eradicating sexual misconduct in prisons housing women, or if the policy is having unintended effects. Based on results from surveys collected from women (N = 369) incarcerated in a Southeastern U.S. prison, both positive and negative aspects of the act were cited. In terms of the former, the legislation resulted in improvements to prison climate, yet for negatives, participants noted how PREA was being weaponized by staff and peers against other incarcerated women via false allegations. Policy implications are discussed.

Structural Racism and Sexism in Settler Societies: Families at the Confluence of Colonialism and Neoliberalism

Abstract: This study problematizes the intersections of settler colonialism and neoliberalism with heteropatriarchy/heteropaternalism when considering the vast overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the Canadian child welfare system and Indigenous women in prisons. Using the lens of historical institutionalism, we demonstrate how heteropatriarchy and heteropaternalism provide the normative social order for settler colonial governance, including its most recent iteration, neoliberal governance. We argue that the neoliberal rhetoric of individual rights and responsibilities to assess fitness of families (and more specifically mothers) against a western European neoliberal ideal underpins Canada’s social policy reproducing the structural racism and sexism imposed by colonization. In Canada, there is growing awareness of system dysfunction; it is Indigenous women who are providing the leadership to resist this oppressive model. Resisting neoliberal family policies pushes back against oppressive colonial structures that exacerbate growing systemic inequities thereby negatively impact all families.

Training of Prisoners in the Making of Accessories at Keerom-Papua Women's Prison, Class III A

Training of Prisoners in the Making of Accessories at Keerom-Papua Women's Prison, Class III A

What French Women Wore to the Resistance: Fashion, War, and Gender Transformation, 1940–1945

Abstract: In studying French women resistors, scholars have largely fought the erasure of their contributions from the record. I revisit résistante stories as narratives about clothing that mark the specificity of female resistance as well as changes in gender identity. First, I explore how women weaponized their clothing. During the war they used their dresses, underwear, and jackets to hide Resistance documents, carry bombs, and escape enemy notice. Such resistance continued to occur after women partisans were deported to Ravensbrück, a Nazi detention camp for female political prisoners. Here again clothing became an instrument of resistance. Second, I show how the sartorial choices of résistantes provide crucial evidence of their changing selves. How these women chose to clothe their bodies can help us trace how they changed as a result of their wartime activism. Résistantes' shifting views of their clothing registered profound alienation and confusion about their gendered selves.

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand.

In Thailand, the growing prevalence of mental health problems among the increasing number of adult female prisoners has emerged as a significant public health concern. However, studies on the health of women prisoners are primarily conducted in Western societies, and studies in other countries are rare. Thailand, a non-western country, is no exception to this. The objectives of this study were to assess the current levels of anxiety and depression among women drug offenders in Thailand and to identify possible associated factors. Data were collected from a sample consisting of 554 women drug offenders serving sentences of eight years or more. Stratified random sampling with proportionate stratification was employed during the data collection. The female inmates were being held in three categories of prisons: correctional institutions, central prisons, and provincial prisons. A single question was used to measure self-perceived levels of anxiety and depression: none, moderate, or substantial. Ordered logit regression was employed in the data analysis. One out of five (21.1%) of the inmates in the sample reported no perceived current anxiety and depression, 61.7% reported moderate anxiety and depression, and 17.1% reported having substantial perceived levels of anxiety and depression. It was found that chronic health conditions or disease, concerns about economic status, and feelings of shame were associated with the perceived anxiety and depression reported by the inmates. The study's findings suggest that integrated mental health services that emphasize a holistic approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of women's mental health and societal gender roles should be provided in prisons. Regular mental health screening and accessible mental health services are essential for all incarcerated women. Empowerment programs during confinement can boost self-esteem and thus lead to better post-release outcomes. The government should also implement programs to alleviate the financial burden on prisoners' households.

HBV in Italian Women's Jail: An Underestimated Problem?

There is little information regarding the hepatitis B virus (HBV), vaccination status, and hepatitis B exposure in Italian women's jails. We aimed to describe the HBV exposure and HBs antibody (anti-HBs) protection levels in female prisoners. A retrospective multicentric study was performed in Italian prisons from 2021 to 2023. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for HBc antibody (anti-HBc) seropositivity and non-protective anti-HBs titer. We included 156 patients. The median age was 41.0 (IQR 34.0-48.0). Of the studied subjects, 31 (19.9%) had anti-HBc positive titer. Two women were HBsAg positive. In the multivariate analysis, older age [OR 1.06 (CI 1.01-1.11), p = 0.011], North-Eastern European [OR 11.67 (3.29-41.30), p < 0.001] and African origin [OR 6.92 (CI 1.51-31.60), p = 0.013], and drug use [OR 6.55 (CI 1.96-21.9), p = 0.002] were risk factors for HBV exposure. Thirty-seven (32%) women had no history of HBV vaccination. Forty-four (38%) had an anti-HBs non-protective titer. In the multivariate analysis, North-Eastern European origin [OR 4.55 (CI 1.19-17.50), p = 0.027] was associated with unprotective anti-HBs titer. Our results show both the low prevalence of HBV and protection in female prisoners. Age, North-Eastern European and African origin, and drug use have a role in exposure risk to HBV.

Association of Dental Caries, Periodontal, and Nutritional Status with Body Mass Index among Incarcerated Women in Central Jail, Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the association body mass index and the status of dental decay and gum health in women serving prison sentences. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation took place at the Central Jail for Women, Pakistan, spanning from January 2021 to February 2022. The study included all incarcerated women and those awaiting trial aged between 18 and 65 years, while individuals who declined participation were excluded. Con- venience sampling was employed, and each participant underwent examinations for dental caries and periodontal status. Sample size was calculated by considering the total number of women in prison to be 205, keeping the margin of error as 5%, and a confidence level of 95%, a sample size of 134 was calculated. Oral health was measured through DMFT index. Body mass indexes were re- corded by measuring the height and weight of the participants. Furthermore, nutritional habits includ- ing height, weight, source of food and frequency of food were also documented. Oral health conditions were evaluated in 131 women currently serving prison sentences. Results: About 23.7 % (n=31) were overweight and 6.1% were obese. Total 71.7% (n=94) of women had at least one decayed tooth, 63 (48.1%) had at least one missing tooth, and 7 (5.3%) had at least one filled tooth. The logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between being overweight and the DMFT score, with an Exponentiation of B of 1.19 and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.03 to 1.38. The associated p-value was 0.021. Conclusion: It was found that high BMI was significantly associated with higher DMFT score. The re- sults of this study drives the attention of clinicians and researchers towards the unidentified health needs of incarcerated women. Among other medical conditions, sensitization to oral hygiene and oral health must also be prioritized. Further efforts should be directed towards making oral health acces- sible to the incarcerated population.

Suicidal ideation among prisoners: analysis with a gender perspective in a five-year follow-up (2017-2022).

There is a high incidence of self-harming behavior in the prison setting, with a suicide rate that is higher than that of the general population. Previous studies describe the association of sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological factors with the risk of suicide in the male prison population, but there is little research that specifically analyses suicidal behavior among women. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of inmates who are admitted to a psychiatric unit for suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide. Descriptive and comparative analysis of 97 inmates (68 men, 29 women) admitted to the Unidad de Hospitalización Psiquiátrica Penitenciaria de Cataluña (UHPP-C), for suicidal ideation, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. There are differences in terms of place of birth, with a more significant presence of African nationalities in non-national males, while foreign inmates tend to come from Latin American countries. Men have a lower mean age, longer admissions, and a higher readmission rate. They also suffer from more psychotic and addictive disorders. Women have a higher prevalence of personality disorders and affective symptoms. There are sociodemographic and clinical differences between male and female prison inmates who require admission for suicidal ideation. Including a gender perspective in studies on suicide risk in the prison population can provide a solid foundation for future studies, thus allowing a more complete understanding of suicidal ideation and intervention needs in the prison population.

Deployment of Digital Devices in Prisons in New South Wales in Australia: Exploring the Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities for Incarcerated Women

Women in prison experience a double digital divide, due to gendered discrimination and carceral isolation. We focus on a recent policy change in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, whereby digital devices were provided to incarcerated people. This policy change is considered in light of women’s trauma histories and the importance of community and family connection. We respond to themes presented at the United Nations’ Sixty-Seventh Session on the Commission of the Status of Women, specifically achieving equality and empowerment for all women and girls in the digital age. Incarcerated women must be prioritized when addressing the gendered digital divide.

Treatment of women's prisons in Maranhão

Considering the growing relevance of the female prison scenario in Brazil, this research aims to analyze the treatment of female detainees in the country's penitentiaries, in order to assess its impact on social reintegration and the guarantee of human rights. The significant increase in the female prison population and the need to understand and improve detention conditions motivate the research, which seeks to answer: How are women treated in Brazilian prisons and how does this influence their social reintegration and respect for human rights? The research will use a bibliographic and documentary review, analyzing academic materials, relevant case law and national legal frameworks. Consultation of various databases, such as BDTD, Google Scholar and FGV's virtual library, will contribute to achieving the proposed objectives. Thus, the general objective of the research is to analyze the treatment of inmates in Brazilian women's prisons, assessing its repercussions on social reintegration and the guarantee of human rights. It concludes that social reintegration, conceived as a comprehensive process that transcends mere physical freedom, is faced with obstacles ranging from poor prison conditions to the lack of effective resocialization programs. The lack of educational and work opportunities, combined with social stigmas, intensify the challenges faced by inmates when trying to reintegrate into society. The guarantee of human rights, a fundamental and inalienable principle, is often compromised in women's prisons. The research highlighted the urgent need for public policies that ensure the dignity, integrity and basic rights of inmates, promoting conditions conducive to true resocialization.

Institutional thoughtlessness and the incarcerated pregnancy

This article examines the unique experiences of pregnant women in prison, building on Sykes’ concept of the pains of imprisonment and Crawley’s notion of institutional thoughtlessness. Based on qualitative data from an ethnographic study of three English prisons, including interviews with 28 pregnant prisoners and 10 staff members and field observations, the study highlights the lack of basic provisions for pregnant women, such as adequate nutrition, fresh air and suitable bedding. The article argues that the lack of such rudimentary provisions leads to the unique experience of the pains of imprisonment for pregnant women. The article argues that the prison system needs to take a more considerate approach to prisoners who have specialist requirements, including pregnant women, rather than treating them as a homogenised group.

A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Psychological Experiences of Incarcerated Pregnant Women.

With the increasing number of incarcerated women worldwide, the rate of women who experience pregnancy in prison, has also increased in this population. Exploring the unique experience of pregnant prisoners can contribute to understanding the complex world of this vulnerable population and, as a result, tailoring programs to promote their health status. The objective of this study was to understand the psychological experience of pregnancy in prison based on the lived experiences of incarcerated women. This was a qualitative inquiry using van Manen's approach to phenomenology. Seven pregnant and four early postpartum women, with experience of pregnancy during incarceration, were selected purposefully in a prison in Iran from 2019 to 2020. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. To analyze data, six-step van Manen's descriptive-interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted using MAXQDA10 software. The main theme of "white torture", a term used to describe the psychological and emotional distress experienced by incarcerated pregnant women, emerged from the data analysis. This theme echoes the pressure and torment of pregnancy on incarcerated women and consists of two subthemes: "captive to bitter and harsh emotions" and "suffering from psychosomatic pain and injuries." As an emotional trauma, pregnancy puts incarcerated women under psychological torture. Policies should be developed towards the acknowledgment and meeting of the unique psychological needs of pregnant women in prison. It is also crucial for healthcare providers to provide women in prison with training on coping strategies to address the psychological and emotional challenges of pregnancy.

Prison Health Care Issues in Kansas and Ohio: The Perspective of Incarcerated Women

Abstract: This article about women's prison-based health care reports quantitative findings from surveying 206 female prisoners and qualitative findings from 45 female prisoners interviewed in one prison in Kansas and three prisons in Ohio. Respondents expressed concerns about the availability of quality prison health care and the timeliness of attention to requests for assistance. Additionally, respondents identified administrative barriers to receiving quality health care within each state. The detrimental consequences of receiving inadequate care are poignantly described by some women. Suggestions are offered for improving the overall quality of prison health care for women and modifying procedures for obtaining such care.

Prevalence of eye and adnexal disorders among elderly inmates in Taiwan prisons

BackgroundPrisoner health is a topic of significant importance; however, it has received limited attention in epidemiological studies, likely because of challenges in obtaining relevant data. Specifically, research on ocular disorders among elderly prisoners is lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of disorders of the eye and adnexa among elderly prisoners in Taiwan.MethodsWe investigated the presence of eye and adnexal disorders in elderly prisoners in Taiwan using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The ocular disorders were identified using the appropriate disease codes in the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision Clinical Modification (codes 360–379). In addition, the most common types of eye and adnexal disorders among the prisoners were identified.ResultsA total of 2215 elderly prisoners (age ≥ 65 years; 2073 men and 142 women) were examined. The prevalence of eye and adnexal disorders among the prisoners was 18.87%. The elderly female prisoners exhibited a higher prevalence of eye and adnexal disorders than the elderly male prisoners. The most common disorders were disorders of the conjunctiva, cataract, and disorders of the lacrimal system.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of elderly prisoners have disorders of the eye and adnexa. The overall quality of life of elderly prisoners can be improved by addressing their visual health, which contributes to the fulfillment of their basic human rights.

Reproductive Health Problems and Health Care Services Offered to Female Inmates of Women Jail Multan

Background: Women prisoners’ health is one of the major challenges among public health issues since the increasing incarceration rate has a direct impact on prisoners’ health status. Female prisoners often face many health issues in which most important are reproductive health problems. The prison services regarding reproductive health needs of female inmates vary in every jail. Unfortunately, in many prisons, health care services for women are still not adequate. &#x0D; Objectives: The objectives of the study are to determine the frequency of reproductive health problems of female inmates and to assess the health care services offered to female inmates of Women Jail Multan. &#x0D; Method: It was cross-sectional descriptive study in which 118 female inmates of reproductive age group were included. Data was collected through questionnaire which was entered in to computer using SPSS 20.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated and data was presented in tables. Means, Standard Deviations and Correlation were calculated. ANOVA was applied to test significance and Chi-square test was applied. Level of significance was kept at p ≤ 0.05. &#x0D; Results: Among 118 female inmates, 33.9% were 31-40 years old, 87.3% were married and 78.0% were illiterate. The length of incarceration of 42.4% female inmates was upto 12 months. 35.0% had 1-2 children and 16.5% were living in jail with their children. Majority (92.4%) had gynecological problem and 82.2% had medical problems while 11.0% had experienced sexual violence by jail staff. Only 2 females were pregnant. 100.0% female inmates had availability of lady doctor or LHV for antenatal check-up.100.0% female inmates were provided proper diet and food supplements and the quality of food was satisfactory. &#x0D; Conclusion: Study revealed that health care services for reproductive problems including obstetric and gynecological issues was satisfactory however prevalence of gynecological issues was high. Sexual violence of female inmates faced by jail staff during imprisonment was noticed for which strict legislative measures should be taken.&#x0D;

Violence within women's prisons and its implications on reintegration effectiveness

The involvement of women in various aspects of life, both socially and economically, has exposed the potential for criminal behaviour among women. This situation has led to the phenomenon of women's involvement in criminal acts commonly associated with men, such as robbery, murder, organized crime, and human trafficking. Poor social and economic conditions tend to be triggering factors and solid reasons for women to engage in criminal activities. This background has become the basis for the increasing number of women in prison in Indonesia, opening the possibility of various forms of violence within women's prisons. This presents a significant challenge for the management of women's prisons in optimizing the reintegration system due to the escalation of significant demotivation resulting from the violence experienced by female inmates, both among themselves and with prison staff. This research employs an exploratory qualitative approach, focusing on women involved in criminal cases and sentenced to prison. Primary data from interview results are descriptively analysed, producing a comprehensive, authentic, and representative narrative. The findings of this study indicate that the concept of punishment in Indonesia still emphasizes punitive functions over corrective functions, where both physical and mental violence are considered effective forms of punishment, especially for women. Violence occurring within women's prisons is then negatively responded to and becomes a driving factor for the decreased interest of female inmates in succeeding in the reintegration program. This reluctance then triggers a negative response from the staff in the form of violence against female inmates. A solution to mitigate violence in women's prisons is the placement in open prisons, with the involvement of independent external parties in both the supervision process and the implementation of reintegration programs to achieve an inclusive and constructive effect for all parties involved.

Application of Behavioral Architecture in The Land Arrangement of class IIA women Penitentiary Institution in Sidoarjo.

Abstract. Penitentiary Institution is a place to carry out coaching for the residents inside. According to the Law, the coaching process of women penitentiary residents must be inside the institution. The existence of a special prison for women can be a solution for empowering and fostering inmates, especially women so that they can be organized and systematic. Using the theme of behavioral architecture, which discusses human relations with the surrounding environment, of course, the psychology of penitentiary residents as human beings must be considered.Class IIA Women Penitentiary in Sidoarjo apply the theme of Behavioral Architecture and use the Security concept to provide a design appearance that gives a strong impression and is able to influence coaching activities both directly and indirectly. The design of the land arrangement uses the concept security applied in layered fences, layered doors, and guard posts.Keywords: Penitentiary, Women, Sidoarjo City, Behavioral Architecture, Humane.

Gender Discrimination in Prison: The Perception of Women Inmates and Prison Professionals

The prejudices that have traditionally been held against female delinquency and the numerical minority of women in the prison system have led to the invisibility of their needs and characteristics as well as to many situations of inequality while they are incarcerated. This study is aimed at exploring the gender discrimination perceived by women in Spanish prisons. To this end, a scale for perception of gender discrimination is applied to a sample of incarcerated women. Qualitative data from a questionnaire administered to prison professionals and field notes are also used. The results show that incarcerated women perceive the existence of several situations of discrimination related to socio-educational intervention and to the adaptation of prisons to their unique needs, especially for those housed in male prisons. Prison professionals hold similar views and express their concern about the feminization of activities. The study has implications for the prison system and policy makers, including the implementation of gender-responsive programming in women’s prisons, the development of periodic assessments of the experiences faced by incarcerated women, and the training of prison staff.