The Impact of Male Violence on Female Delinquency: Experiences of Vulnerability and Poly Victimization in Women Serving Prison Sentences in Catalonia

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the criminal history of women who have experienced situations of male violence and who are serving sentences in the Catalan prison system and to identify the relationship between these histories of violence and the criminal activity that has led them to prison. The study applies to a mixed methodology, although the production of data and analysis of qualitative data predominates. A questionnaire was administered to the entire female prison population that wanted to participate, and in-depth interviews and discussion groups were conducted with users of prisons in Catalonia and with prison professionals. The results show the presence of polyvictimized female prisoners and that this violence sometimes motivates the criminal activity for which they are serving their sentences.