The Risk of Family Violence After Incarceration: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Criminology and Social Sciences
• Family Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding family violence is crucial, but the specific risks post-incarceration release are unclear.
• Previous research suggests a link between incarceration and family violence, but causality remains debated.
• Existing studies lack a comprehensive synthesis of family violence prevalence, risk, and protective factors after incarceration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review of family violence following a family member's release from incarceration.
• To explore the prevalence, measurement variations, risk factors, and protective factors of this phenomenon.
• To identify gaps and opportunities for future research in this understudied area.

Main Methods:

• Integrative review methodology combining qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Systematic search of three databases for peer-reviewed and gray literature.
• Analysis of 26 studies estimating physical family violence after any family member's incarceration.

Main Results:

• Intimate partner violence reported in nearly a quarter of cases; limited data on child maltreatment.
• Key risk factors identified: prior family violence history, diminished family support during incarceration, and post-release substance use.
• Specific prevalence rates and measurement approaches varied significantly across studies.

Conclusions:

• Incarceration may heighten the risk of family violence, independent of pre-existing family or structural factors.
• Family violence history, weakened support networks, and substance abuse are critical risk factors post-release.
• Further research is needed to clarify causal pathways and develop targeted interventions.