Listening to women: relational approaches to female offender management

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore women’s experiences of criminal justice systems to inform the development of guidance on working with women.Design/methodology/approach A two-part, independent samples and qualitative study using semi-structured interviews incorporating both interpretive phenomenological analysis and thematic analysis was conducted. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women on probation in the community and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Interviews in Study 2 were conducted with seven women in custody with data analysed using inductive-deductive thematic analysis. The applicability and expansion of Study 1 themes was then explored.Findings Seven emergent themes indicated relational approaches to offender management may improve experiences of judicial systems for female offenders and for their probation officers. This approach may help prevent common systemic issues from perpetuating negative interactions between these groups. Specific suggestions for developing relational security and consistency of care within these relationships are provided.Practical implications Taking a relational approach to female offender management may help remedy some of the systemic difficulties faced by female offenders and their probation officers.Originality/value By focussing on the experiences of women screened in to the offender personality disorder pathway this study provides insight as to how this service can assist in the development of relational security between probation staff and their clients.