Traumatic experiences and re-victimization of female inmates undergoing treatment for substance abuse

Abstract

BackgroundIn the past decade, several studies have focused on the treatment needs of female inmates with substance abuse problems. An important finding has been that these women are more likely to report histories of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse-at rates varying from 77% to 90%. The trauma resulting from this kind of abuse is a key contributing factor in behavioral problems in adolescence and subsequent delinquency, substance abuse, and criminality in adulthood.MethodsThis was a retrospective clinical study. A convenience sample of 112 women who entered the program’s treatment groups consecutively for one year form part of the study. Information on traumatic events was obtained using some questions from the Initial Trauma Review. It explores whether the participant experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, disasters, automobile accidents, or witnessed violence under the age of 18. It also examines experiences as an adult, including sexual and physical abuse, attacks by others who are not intimate partners, and abuse by authorities.ResultsRevictimization in sexual abuse was found in 78.1% of participants. Significant differences were identified between women who had experienced a traumatic sexual event from a person five years their senior before the age of 18 and then suffered from sexual violence as an adult, and women who had never undergone either of these events (x2 = 11.3, df 112/1, p = <.001). In physical abuse, the figure was 82.17%. Differences were observed between women who were revictimized through physical abuse before and after the age of 18 (x2 = 5.91, df 112/1, p = <.01), and those who had not experienced any kind of revictimization. Significant differences were found between women who had suffered a traumatic sexual event as a child and subsequently physical violence from their parents, and women who had not undergone either of these events (x2 = 3.48, df 112/1, p = <.05).ConclusionsInvestment in treatment in these areas during the prison sentence and after release may contribute to preventing these women from become repeat offenders. Creating sources of work and halfway houses that continue the program to prevent relapses into substance use can help defend the human rights of this group of women and achieve social justice.

Early childhood maltreatment experience and later sexual behavior in Brazilian adults undergoing treatment for substance dependence

“…The international literature suggests that CM is associated with a number of mental, social, and physical health problems in adulthood. Psychosis, depression, anxiety, suicidality, posttraumatic stress disorder, and early polydrug abuse are among the psychiatric conditions mentioned,6 while antisocial behavior, interpersonal and academic difficulties, aggression, poor coping skills, low self-esteem, emotional instability, criminal behavior, hopelessness, revictimization, high-risk sexual behavior in adulthood,17 and physical health problems18,19 stand out among the problems reported. Individuals who have been sexually abused may exhibit elevated rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders as a consequence of their traumatic experience.…”

Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them

“…Stigma regarding rape and intimate partner violence persists and frequently serves as a barrier to seeking care and treatment. Survivors of sexual violence have higher rates of substance abuse, depression and other mental health issues than the general population 34–36 , posing additional challenges to recruitment and retention in research.…”

“…Stigma regarding rape and intimate partner violence persists and frequently serves as a barrier to seeking care and treatment. Survivors of sexual violence have higher rates of substance abuse, depression and other mental health issues than the general population,[34][35][36] posing additional challenges to recruitment and retention in research.Ensuring a high level of training for research staff and being prepared to provide care and counseling referrals were essential. Excellent resources37 were identified for training.…”

Freedom-deprived women: social representations of prison, violence, and their consequences

“…Since these have often been victims of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, which corroborates their involvement in criminal activities, in addition to placing them in vulnerability to re-victimization. Creating workplaces and recovery homes that continue the treatment program to prevent relapses can help defend the human rights of this group of women and achieve social justice (19)(20) .…”