Beyond Violence: Results of an Intervention with Women with Life Sentences

• In Event: Beyond Violence: An Intervention for Women with Violent Offenses

Abstract

5% of incarcerated women are serving life sentences in the U.S., and the number has increased by 14 % in the last five years. A majority of these women have been convicted of violent offenses. However, there is a lack of evidence-based programming tested with this population of women. Beyond Violence, a new curriculum for women convicted of violent offenses, was tested with groups of women with and without life sentences as well as with two groups of women exclusively with life sentences. Pre-test measures of mental health and anger were significantly higher among women with life sentences but both groups had similar, statistically significant post-test results, and in some cases, the outcomes were even lower for lifers. For the groups of exclusively women with life sentences, post-test scores showed a decrease in mental health symptoms, and positive changes to women’s forms of anger expression. Although women with life sentences do not usually qualify for rehabilitative programming due to prioritization of programs for parole- and discharge-eligible prisoners, the inclusion of women with life sentences in this study produced positive results. Positive short-term and long-term outcomes for lifers can potentially influence current prison culture.

Author

• Gina Fedock, Michigan State University