Women in Prison Show Different Paths After Release

Topic: Health

A study of women in Chile found that those with a history of crime were less likely to re-offend after release. Access to employment or training while in prison helped them reduce their involvement in crime.

A new study looked at the lives of nearly 200 women who were released from prison in Santiago, Chile.

The researchers wanted to know how imprisonment affected these women's behavior and whether they continued to commit crimes after release. They compared the number of crimes committed before incarceration with the number committed after incarceration.

Most of the women had been imprisoned for theft, drug trafficking, or robbery. The study found that most of them stayed on a low-level offending path even after being released from prison. However, some women did change their behavior and reduced their involvement in crime.

The researchers discovered that these changes were gradual and often involved steps rather than sudden shifts. They also found that access to employment or training while in prison was linked to a lower likelihood of re-offending.

Pilar Larroulet, the lead researcher, said that prison is not a one-size-fits-all experience and should not be expected to produce uniform outcomes. She emphasized that women with prior involvement in the criminal justice system often face significant challenges, including limited access to employment, healthcare, and opportunities.

Why It Matters

This study's findings can help policymakers and social workers understand how to support women who have been imprisoned and reduce their likelihood of re-offending.

Key Facts

• The study looked at nearly 200 women released from prison in Santiago, Chile over a period of 10 years.
• Most of the women had been imprisoned for theft, drug trafficking, or robbery.
• Access to employment or training while in prison was linked to a lower likelihood of re-offending.
• The changes in behavior were gradual and often involved steps rather than sudden shifts.
• Pilar Larroulet led the study as an assistant professor at Rutgers University-Newark School of Criminal Justice.

Key Terms

incarceration

the act of being imprisoned or put in jail

offending

committing a crime

Implications

This study's findings can help policymakers and social workers understand how to support women who have been imprisoned and reduce their likelihood of re-offending.