Violent Crime in the Lives of Homeless Female Ex-Offenders. (1st February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyamathi, Adeline M.; Salem, Benissa E.; Hall, Elizabeth; Oleskowicz, Tanya; Ekstrand, Maria; Yadav, Kartik; Toyama, Joy; Turner, Susan; Faucette, Mark
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 38:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2017-02-01
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2016.1253807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

Abstract : The cyclical pattern of violence in the lives of homeless female ex-offenders may precipitate ongoing substance use and recidivism; all of which have shown to be mounting public health issues affecting successful reentry. This paper, which analyzed baseline data from a longitudinal study of 126 female ex-offenders in Los Angeles and Pomona, California, highlighted the factors found to be associated with violent crime among homeless female ex-offenders. A multiple logistic regression model for whether or not the last conviction was for a violent offense indicated that poor housing ( p = .011) and self-reported anger or hostility ( p < .001) were significant correlates. An ordinal regression model for the number of violent offenses also indicated that affectionate support was associated with committing fewer number of violent crimes ( p = .001), while positive social interactions ( p = .007), and anger/hostility ( p = .015) were associated with greater number of violent crimes. Implications for developing a comprehensive array of strategies that can mitigate the pattern of violence often seen in the lives of homeless female who have recently exited jails and prisons is discussed.