Social Relationships and Group Dynamics Inside a Community Correction Facility for Women

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2015

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Cantora, A., Mellow, J. and Schlager, M. (2015). Social relationships and group dynamics inside a community correction facility for women. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 1-20 (published online July, 2015).

Rights

Abstract

This article presents research on women’s perceptions and experiences residing in a female community correction facility. Qualitative interview data and field observations are used to examine resident relationships, perceptions of on-site group treatment, and benefits of receiving off-site treatment. Findings from this study indicate an overwhelming feeling of tension and lack of trust among residents, resulting in most women withdrawing from social interactions. Relationship dynamics also played a role in women’s participation during on-site group treatment and desiring offsite treatment. This study supports the need to create, and sustain, therapeutic environments within community correction settings for women.