Women’s Trauma in Relation to Criminal Conviction

Women’s Trauma in Relation to Criminal Conviction
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
February 28, 2023
Recently, there has been increasing attention on the relationship between trauma and criminal behavior. Trauma can profoundly impact a person's mental health, and for many women who have experienced trauma, this impact can be especially severe. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of women involved in the criminal justice system have a history of trauma, whether from childhood abuse, sexual assault, or other types of violence (Tossone et al., 2017). Despite this, the criminal justice system has often failed to provide appropriate support and treatment for women who have experienced trauma, which can lead to other adverse outcomes such as recidivism.
This literature review aims to critically examine the problems and competing solutions related to women's trauma in relation to criminal convictions in the United States. Specifically, this paper will evaluate the existing literature on the link between trauma and criminal behavior, the experiences of women in the criminal justice system, and the various approaches that have been proposed to address this issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, this paper will argue for the necessity of addressing women's trauma in relation to criminal convictions to promote better outcomes for women in the criminal justice system.
Trauma and its Impact on Women
Trauma Defined
Trauma is an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing and overwhelms a person's ability to cope (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2008). For women, trauma can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse and experiences such as natural disasters or war. The impact of trauma on women can be significant and can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a study of women who had experienced trauma, researchers found that many reported feeling helpless, numb, and disconnected from others. These symptoms persisted even years after the traumatic event (Courtois & Ford, 2013).
Types of Trauma Experienced by Women
There are many different types of trauma that women can experience, and these can vary in severity and duration. One common form of trauma experienced by women is sexual violence, which can include rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2019), one in three women in the United States will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Other types of trauma experienced by women can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and childhood abuse or neglect. Each type of trauma can uniquely impact women's mental health and well-being.
Consequences of Trauma for Women
The consequences of trauma for women can be wide-ranging and include physical and psychological symptoms. Some women may experience physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues due to trauma (Cohen et al., 2021). However, the most common consequences of trauma for women are psychological and can include depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Women who have experienced trauma may also struggle with substance abuse, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts (Agyapong et al., 2022). Additionally, trauma can have long-lasting effects on women's ability to form and maintain relationships and can impact their ability to function in daily life.
Overall, the general literature on trauma and its effects on women suggests that trauma can profoundly impact women's mental health and well-being. Women who have experienced trauma may struggle with various physical and psychological symptoms and may require specialized support and treatment to recover. By understanding the different types of trauma experienced by women and the potential consequences of trauma, it may be possible to address better the needs of women who have experienced trauma in the context of the criminal justice system.
Women's Trauma and Criminal Convictions
The link between trauma and criminal behavior
A growing body of research suggests a link between trauma and criminal behavior, particularly for women. Studies have found that women who have experienced trauma, particularly sexual trauma, are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women who have not experienced trauma (Malvaso et al., 2021). This may be due in part to the fact that trauma can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as depression and PTSD, that can make it difficult for women to cope with stress and regulate their emotions. Women who have experienced trauma may also struggle with substance abuse or other maladaptive coping strategies that can lead to criminal behavior (Turanovic & Pratt, 2012).
Trauma and the criminal justice system
Women who have experienced trauma may face unique challenges when they come into contact with the criminal justice system. For example, women who have experienced trauma may be less likely to report crimes committed against them and less likely to receive support from law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals (Mancini et al., 2016). Additionally, women who have experienced trauma may be more likely to be re-victimized within the criminal justice system through practices such as victim blaming or shaming (Spencer et al., 2018).
Women's experiences in the criminal justice system
Research suggests that their trauma histories often shape women's experiences in the criminal justice system. Women who have experienced trauma may face unique challenges when navigating the criminal justice system, such as difficulty testifying in court or disclosing sensitive information to attorneys or other professionals (Jackson & Brunger, 2015). Additionally, women who have experienced trauma may be more likely to be sentenced to prison or other forms of incarceration than women who have not experienced trauma (Mancini et al., 2016). This may be partly because trauma can lead to various behavioral issues that can be viewed as evidence of criminality, such as substance abuse or outbursts of anger.
Competing solutions
Traditional approaches
Traditional approaches to addressing women's trauma within the criminal justice system have focused largely on punishment and deterrence. These approaches are based on the assumption that criminal behavior results from individual choice and that punishment is necessary to deter future criminal behavior (Mehlkop & Graeff, 2010). In the context of women's trauma, traditional approaches often involve incarcerating women for their criminal behavior, with little attention paid to their underlying trauma or the factors that may have contributed to their criminal behavior.
Alternative approaches
Alternative approaches to addressing women's trauma within the criminal justice system have focused on more rehabilitative and trauma-informed interventions. These approaches recognize that women's trauma may be a root cause of their criminal behavior and aim to address the underlying trauma rather than simply punishing the behavior (Mehlkop & Graeff, 2010). Trauma-informed approaches may involve providing women with mental health and substance abuse treatment and addressing other social and economic factors that may contribute to their criminal behavior, such as poverty and lack of education.
Advantages and disadvantages of each approach
There are advantages and disadvantages to traditional and alternative approaches to addressing women's trauma within the criminal justice system. Traditional approaches may be seen as more straightforward and effective in punishing a...