Trajectories of victimization to violence among incarcerated women

Abstract

Introduction Limited research has focused on the trajectories of victimization to violence in women’s lives. Furthermore, literature assessing women’s use of violence has primarily focused on adult risk factors (e.g., substance use and criminal histories). Drawing from the pathway’s framework, we explored the impact of multiple forms of childhood victimization and subsequent harmful behaviors on adult-perpetrated violence among women convicted of violent or serious crimes. Methods This secondary data analysis included a sample of 1118 incarcerated women from two prisons. Based on prior literature outlining the lifelong negative impact of childhood victimization, we hypothesized that cumulatively, occurrence of abuses, arrest as a minor, number of lifetime arrests, and poly-substance use prior to incarceration, would increase the likelihood of perpetration of multiple forms of violence. GEE regression models were used to examine the relationship between the predictors and adult perpetration of intimidation and physical violence. Results Experiences with childhood victimization, early (under age 18) and ongoing criminal justice involvement, and substance use significantly increased the likelihood of adult perpetration of violence, regardless of the type of violence measured (intimidation or physical violence). Conclusion Given the documented high prevalence of childhood trauma and abuse among justice-involved women, findings from this study can be used to promote the implementation of trauma-specific treatment for at-risk juvenile girls, whose trajectories of violence might be mitigated.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Pathways to Violent Behavior for Women and Men

“…Similarly, the study found that perpetration of violence by the women was mediated by victimization by those around them, with the target of the violence was similar to the type of victimization the participant had endured previously. Saxena and Messina (2021) conducted a study utilizing more than one thousand incarcerated women and found a strong trajectory between ACEs experienced and violent behavior, with those experiencing more ACEs being at a higher likelihood of engaging in violent behavior toward others. The researchers also found that initial arrest prior to the age of 18 and polysubstance use similarly increased the risk of women engaging in violence, which is consistent with previous research that has found that earlier criminal involvement and substance use are strongly positively correlated with ACEs (Fazel et al, 2006;Grella et al, 2013;Messina & Grella, 2006;Poister Tusher & Cook, 2010;Saxena et al, 2016;Tripodi & Pettus-Davis, 2013).…”

Estudio psicométrico de una escala sobre actitudes hacia la igualdad de género con mujeres reclusas

“…Precisamente, diversas investigaciones en el campo de la criminología feminista han puesto de manifiesto que una de las características más comunes de estas mujeres es la "vulnerabilidad relacional" y la falta de relaciones de empatía y respeto mutuo en sus vidas (Chesney-Lind & Shelden, 2014;Nuytiens & Christiaens, 2015). El maltrato físico, sexual y emocional son frecuentes en sus relaciones de pareja (Belknap & Holsinger, 2006;Broidy et al, 2018;Owen et al, 2017;Saxena & Messina, 2021), y suelen venir acompañados de dependencia emocional y económica, así como del deterioro de sus redes sociales (Nuytiens & Christiaens, 2015;Van Voorhis et al, 2010).…”

“…Con todo, esperamos que este estudio contribuya al avance en esta línea de investigación, visibilizando la situación de las mujeres privadas de libertad y evidenciando sus necesidades, que requieren de intervenciones específicas, especialmente en el ámbito del trauma y la victimización (Saxena & Messina, 2021;Wright et al, 2012).…”

“…Por su parte, también se ha evidenciado que algunas comienzan este consumo como una estrategia para combatir los trastornos de depresión, ansiedad o estrés postraumático (TEPT) que se derivan de abusos pasados (De la Rosa & Cortés, 2021;Saxena & Messina, 2021). Parece estar claro, así, que tanto las experiencias traumáticas en la infancia como la violencia de género en la adultez están asociados a la delincuencia femenina, al tener una estrecha relación con diversos factores -consumo de drogas, enfermedad mental, desventaja socioeconómica-que ponen a la mujer en una situación de vulnerabilidad (Broidy et al, 2018;Chesney-Lind & Pasko, 2013).…”

Evaluation of a Peer-Facilitated Trauma Intervention for Incarcerated Men

“…The literature has also outlined the relationship of ACEs to adolescent and adult behavioral problems among justice-involved populations (Bonta & Andrews, 2016; California Department of Public Health, 2020; Greenfield & Marks, 2010; Horwitz et al, 2001). Studies show that child abuse increases the likelihood of multiple mental health problems (Greenfield & Marks, 2010; Kendall-Tackett, 2000), the earlier use of substances and criminal activity (Grella et al, 2005; Messina & Grella, 2006), repressed anger (Newman & Peterson, 1996; Springer et al, 2007), and violence in adulthood (Horwitz et al, 2001; Kubiak, Fedock, et al, 2017; Saxena & Messina, 2021). In addition, the literature has shown that mental health problems and unresolved issues of trauma and abuse are highly correlated with recidivism (Messina et al, 2004).…”