Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Female Homicide Offenders in Prison

What is it about?

This article is about the challenges women convicted of homicide face while serving their sentences in a Ghanaian prison, and the ways they cope with these challenges. It shows that although some support comes from prison officers, philanthropists, and family members, the women mostly struggle with poor food, health problems, limited medical care, loss of independence, and conflicts with other inmates. To survive prison life, they rely mainly on faith in God and both institutional and external social support. The study emphasises the importance of developing prison policies and practices that are tailored to the specific needs of women.

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Why is it important?

The study uncovers not only the hardships faced by incarcerated women but also the coping strategies they adopt, offering insights that can inform more effective prison management and rehabilitation programs. Combining women’s lived experiences with an analysis of their coping mechanisms provides a deeper understanding of life behind bars. In particular, it underscores the crucial role of faith and social support as survival strategy factors often overlooked in correctional policy discussions

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