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A profile of violent female offenders in secure psychiatric care

A profile of violent female offenders in secure psychiatric care Purpose – This study aims to explore whether female psychiatric homicide offenders form a distinct group when compared to women who have committed other types of serious violent offences. Design/methodology/approach – A range of background and psychological characteristics for 13 homicide and 13 non‐homicide offenders, matched by date of birth, were compared. In addition, change in psychological and behavioural presentation after 12 months stay at a registered charity trust hospital in England was considered. Findings – The findings indicate that the two groups were broadly similar, although the non‐homicide violent offenders had somewhat more troubled backgrounds. The two groups responded similarly to treatment, although the homicide offenders displayed significantly fewer aggressive risk behaviours whilst in care. Practical implications – It is concluded that the two groups present with similar needs, with indications of greater treatment need for polynomial substance misuse for the non‐homicide group. Originality/value – This is the first study to compare directly these two specific groups of violent female offenders, considering both static background variables, and behaviour whilst in security. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Criminal Psychology Emerald Publishing

A profile of violent female offenders in secure psychiatric care

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References (49)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
2009-3829
DOI
10.1108/20093821311307749
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to explore whether female psychiatric homicide offenders form a distinct group when compared to women who have committed other types of serious violent offences. Design/methodology/approach – A range of background and psychological characteristics for 13 homicide and 13 non‐homicide offenders, matched by date of birth, were compared. In addition, change in psychological and behavioural presentation after 12 months stay at a registered charity trust hospital in England was considered. Findings – The findings indicate that the two groups were broadly similar, although the non‐homicide violent offenders had somewhat more troubled backgrounds. The two groups responded similarly to treatment, although the homicide offenders displayed significantly fewer aggressive risk behaviours whilst in care. Practical implications – It is concluded that the two groups present with similar needs, with indications of greater treatment need for polynomial substance misuse for the non‐homicide group. Originality/value – This is the first study to compare directly these two specific groups of violent female offenders, considering both static background variables, and behaviour whilst in security.

Journal

Journal of Criminal Psychology – Emerald Publishing

Published: Mar 15, 2013

Keywords: Female homicide offenders; Characteristics; Treatment; Aggressive behaviours; Criminals; Individual psychology; Behaviour

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