Beyond Violence: Violence Prevention for Women in Prison

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

Abstract

In 2011, California lawmakers enacted the Public Safety Realignment act (AB109). The law enables the diversion of low-level offenders and parole violators to county jail instead of state prison. With the implementation of AB109, the majority of women remaining in, or sentenced to prison are those who are charged with violent crimes. Little research has been conducted with women who commit violent offenses. This pilot study evaluates the Beyond Violence curricula developed by Dr. Stephanie Covington. The Beyond Violence program was implemented at two California state prisons with 28 Peer Educator women (typically women serving life) and 40 women from the general population who have a history of violent or aggressive behavior. Qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative data (pre and post test surveys) were collected during the study. Surveys assessed change over time in depression, anxiety, PTSD, aggression, anger, and dysfunctional impulsivity. Peer Educator women were 29% black, 29% multi-racial, 21% white, 14% Latina, and 7% other. Approximately 37% had never been married and are 44 years old. Almost all of the Peer Educators were serving a sentence for murder and had served on average 18 years in prison. Full results will be available at the time of the presentation.

Author

• Nena Messina, UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs