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Listening to women: relational approaches to female offender management

Aisling O’Meara, Meinir Edwards, Jason Davies Orcid Logo

The Journal of Forensic Practice, Volume: 23, Issue: 1, Pages: 1 - 12

Swansea University Author: Jason Davies Orcid Logo

Abstract

Purpose: To explore women’s experiences of criminal justice systems to inform the development of guidance on working with women.Design/methodology/approach: A two-part, independent samples, qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews incorporating both IPA and Thematic Analysis was conduc...

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Published in: The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Published: Emerald 2020
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55279
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Abstract: Purpose: To explore women’s experiences of criminal justice systems to inform the development of guidance on working with women.Design/methodology/approach: A two-part, independent samples, qualitative study utilising semi-structured interviews incorporating both IPA and Thematic Analysis was conducted. In study 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women on probation in the community and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Interviews in study 2 were conducted with seven women in custody with data analysed using inductive-deductive thematic analysis. The applicability and expansion of study 1 themes was then explored.Findings: Seven emergent themes indicated relational approaches to offender management may improve experiences of judicial systems for female offenders and for their probation officers. This approach may help prevent common systemic issues from perpetuating negative interactions between these groups. Specific suggestions for developing relational security and consistency of care within these relationships are provided. Practical implications: Taking a relational approach to female offender management may help remedy some of the systemic difficulties faced by female offenders and their probation officers. Originality: By focussing on the experiences of women screened in to the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway this study provides insight as to how this service can assist in the development of relational security between probation staff and their clients.
Keywords: women, prison, continuity of care, offender personality disorder pathway, relational security, transitional support
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Issue: 1
Start Page: 1
End Page: 12