Citation

Whaley RB, Moe AM, Eddy JM, Daugherty J. Women Crim. Justice 2008; 18(3): 25-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J012v18n03_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A variety of studies indicate high rates of domestic violence in the backgrounds of women offenders. We examine and extend this work through a qualitative study of women on probation or parole in a western U.S. county. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women who participated in a larger study in which only questionnaire data were collected. Participants completed a brief telephone interview about prior experiences of partner violence and then a face-to-face extensive in-person interview. In the analyses, several notable themes emerged regarding the women's histories of child victimization, partner abuse, substance abuse, coercion into crime, and a lack of support services. Partner violence may play an important role in the genesis and maintenance of the criminality of a significant proportion of women, and should be acknowledged and addressed as part of programs intended to decrease recidivism.