The "discovery" of the violent woman in prison: A descriptive analysis of violent incidents in the Canadian federal correctional system

Abstract

Despite increasing attention to the issue of female offending, little empirical research has been conducted on women's violence within Canadian prisons. This thesis provides a descriptive and exploratory analysis of violence in federal correctional institutions for women offenders in Canada. More specifically, it examines the nature and extent of violent incidents, the characteristics of violent perpetrators, and the individual and environmental influences for prison violence. To further our understanding of this phenomenon, three theoretical perspectives and their relation to female prison violence are investigated, including the strengths and limitations. These include feminist theory, prison adjustment theories, and theory of sex differences in aggression. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)