Exploring Gendered Pathways: Understanding the Connection Between Female Substance Misuse and Offending Behavior

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Incarcerated women face complex challenges including substance use, victimization, and adverse childhood experiences.
• Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for developing effective support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of incarcerated women in South Africa.
• To examine the links between substance use, victimization, and adverse childhood experiences within this population.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
• 29 incarcerated women from Kgoši Mampuru II and Johannesburg Correctional Centre participated.
• Interviews covered family background, substance use, and criminal justice involvement.

Main Results:

• Substance use was frequently described as a coping mechanism for trauma and adversity.
• Participants reported significant experiences with victimization and adverse childhood experiences.
• The findings underscore the cyclical nature of trauma, substance use, and incarceration.

Conclusions:

• Community-based interventions are essential to address social determinants of health for incarcerated women.
• Trauma-informed care and gender-responsive approaches are critical for substance use programs.
• Social justice advocacy and community support are vital for empowering women and promoting healing.