Violent Women: Findings From the Texas Women Inmates Study

• NCJ Number: 233214
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 485-502
• Author(s): Joycelyn M. Pollock; Janet L. Mullings; Ben M. Crouch
• Date Published: April 2006
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined differences between violent female inmates and nonviolent female inmates using a Texas female inmate sample.

Abstract

Prior research on violent crime by female offenders is reviewed. A Texas female prisoner sample is used to explore specific questions raised by the literature review. Violent and nonviolent offenders were compared, looking specifically at race, socioeconomic status, having been raised in single-parent homes, criminal history, gang membership, marital status, and childhood abuse. Findings indicated that women who are violent were more likely to be younger, African-American, unemployed, and having extensive criminal histories. They were more likely to come from dysfunctional families with childhood abuse. Limitations of the study were noted. (Published Abstract) Tables and references