Jail-level test of the cycle of violence thesis

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

They cycle of violence thesis posits that victimization during childhood, specifically physical and verbal abuse perpetrated by family members, increases the likelihood of future violent criminal behavior (Widom, 1989). It assumes that violent criminal offenders are products of their experiences, and proposes eight risk factors emphasizing a totality of an individual’s experiences. Though we do not examine childhood experiences, the present study investigates the impact of abuse prior to jail confinement and as a measure of importation on an individual’s likelihood to commit violent criminal acts during their confinement. We use a sample of persons incarcerated in jail and survey methodology to assess the validity of this theory relative to other imported variables. Results suggest that abuse prior to jail incarceration has interesting and unexpected implications for misconduct prior to and within jail confinement. Findings also uniquely contribute to our understanding of pre-incarceration experiences as imported traits. We call for more research to better understand the impact abuse has on an individual’s likelihood to commit violent criminal acts in the community and in correctional settings.

Authors

• Bella Marie Mowell, Georgia College & State University

• Carrie L. Cook, Georgia College & State University