Unheard: Voices from the Margins of Justice

• In Event: Mental Health, Trauma, and Violence Among Online Communities and Justice-Involved Populations

Abstract

This project highlights the voices of justice-involved individuals, not by focusing on the crimes they have committed, but by exploring their lived experiences and the role trauma has played in shaping their pathways to offending. The purpose of this research is to better understand the untold stories of those who offend, emphasizing the social, emotional, and structural factors that influence their lives in significant ways. The goal of this research is to center the narratives of justice-involved individuals, amplifying their humanity and giving voice to the unheard. This study addresses a gap in criminological discourse, which often overlooks the personal histories of those involved in the justice system. Research indicates that trauma is pervasive, with van der Kolk (2014) noting that it affects approximately 80% of adults. Moreover, over 95% of incarcerated individuals have experienced at least one traumatic event (Tripodi et al., 2020). This study employs qualitative narrative inquiry, involving in-depth interviews with justice-involved individuals. These interviews explore participants' life experiences and trauma histories. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to trauma and offending. By elevating these voices, this research aims to foster empathy, challenge stigma, and contribute to more informed approaches to justice.

Authors

• Lori L. Hall, University of South Florida

• Alexander Leuschen, University of South Florida