The Role of Romantic Relationships in the Lives of Incarcerated Women: Early versus Late Starting women

• In Event: Studying The Lives of Incarcerated Women

Abstract

Increasingly, studies are finding that adult onset offending is particularly common among women. However, explanations for this adult onset are scarce. In a sample of 400 Dutch detainees we found that adult onset offenders (starting after the age of 25) had more troubles after age 25 then earlier onset women. Late onset offenders were more often a victim of violent offences and had more often violent, criminal partners after the age of 25. Within this sample of incarcerated women we collected survey data and Life History Calendars, but we also conducted in depth interviews with a part of the sample. Women were asked about the role of different life experiences in their pathways to prison. In this paper we use data from these qualitative interviews to analyze the perspectives of women on the role of intimate partners in their pathway to imprisonment. We also relate these perspectives to their age of onset of offending. Findings from this study might have implications for policies and programs regarding female adult offenders.

Authors

• Anne-Marie Slotboom, VU University

• Katharina Joosen, Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)

• Catrien Bijleveld, Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)

• Candace Kruttschnitt, University of Toronto