Running head: WOMEN AND CRIME 1

Women and Crime

Lakisha D Selby

Wilmington University
WOMEN AND CRIME 2

Abstract

Human service professionals have explored the study on women and crime. Human service

professionals focus on cultural immersion for the attainment of cultural competence, which can

be applied to women and crime with whom many human service professionals will be working

with. In the cultural immersion report women in the criminal justice system will be evaluated to

see if agencies are cultural sensitive to this population. The report uses a film and personal

interview to help understand why women commit crimes.

Keywords: crime, culture, human service professionals, sensitivity, women,

WOMEN AND CRIME 3

Women and Crime

There has been little discussion as it relates to women and crime. Men are no longer the

main offenders. Women are now committing crimes just like men. As human service

professionals, we must understand the services needed during incarceration and once the women

are released from prison without being judgmental or cultural sensitive. Knowing that not all

women who commit crimes will go to jail however they still will have consequences for their

actions that may require monitoring from a probation officer or paying a fine. Majority of the

women in prison need drug treatment, educational or vocational programs, housing, financial

assistance and mental health treatment. Adopt A Family may not be able to provide all of the

services, however there are other agencies in the area that Adopt A Family can partner with to

assist women in the criminal justice system.

Women and Crime History

According to Mallicoat (2012), since the making of the American criminal justice system,

the experiences of women have been reduced to either a brief glance or have been completely

absent. Involvement of women in the criminal justice system is growing around the country.

Majority of the women in the criminal justice system are victims for certain type of crimes,

especially when men are the primary offenders. Mallicoat (2012) states that when women

experience victimization in crimes such as rape, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and

harassment prove that women suffer excessively from these crimes. Women in the criminal

justice system face challenges when it comes to employment. Women are unlikely to obtain

employment where men dominate. There was a time when women in the criminal justice system

was never discussed. However, conversation begin once the civil rights and womens movement

begin to join in the conversations as it related to women in the criminal justice system.
WOMEN AND CRIME 4

According to Mallicoat (2012), scholars began to talk about the nature of the female offender and

began to ask questions about the lives of women involved in the criminal justice system. The

first question that was asked regarding women in the criminal justice system was Who is she?

Another question was asked Why is she involved in crime? Then the last question was asked

How is she different from her male counterparts and how should the criminal justice system

respond? It has been reported that black women represent 30 percent of all females

incarcerated under state or federal jurisdiction, and Hispanic women 16 percent ("Women in the

Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets", 2017). In, 2005 black women were more than three

times as likely as white women to be incarcerated in prison or jail, and Hispanic women 69%

more likely ("Women in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets", 2017). Women

incarcerated in state prisons were less likely than men to have been convicted of a violent offense

("Women in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets", 2017). Women incarcerated in state

prisons were more likely than men to have been convicted of a property or drug crime ("Women

in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets", 2017). In 1986 to 1996, women that used

drugs declined, the number of women incarcerated in state facilities for drug offenses increased

by 888%, compared to a rise of 129% for non-drug offenses. Nearly 1 in 4 women in prison are

diagnosed with a mental illness ("Women in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets",

2017). Forty-four percent of women in state prison have neither graduated from high school nor

received a GED ("Women in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets", 2017).

Film

Set It Off (1996) directed by F. Gary Gray and written by (women and crime). I selected

this movie because it focuses on women and crime; which is the population that I chose to

research for my cultural immersion. The film focuses on the lives of four African-American
WOMEN AND CRIME 5

women who are friends living in Los Angeles, California. The women like many women who

are in the criminal justice system face many challenges, live in poverty, black and female, and

fighting against a system that oppresses them. All four women in the film are not happy with

their life. Stony who is played by Jada Pinkett Smith is sleeping with a man in exchange for

money to help with her brother tuition. Frankie who is played by Vivica Fox lost her job at the

bank after the banked was robbed and accused of being a part of the crime. T.T played by

Kimberly Elise is having financial problems and not able to provide for her son. TT son would

eventually be removed from her by Child Protective Services. Cleo played by Queen Latifah is

broke and unhappy with her life. Cleo is a lesbian and very hardcore. The women begin

working for a cleaning company and taking on jobs that barely help make ends meet. During the

film Stoney brother was killed by the police. This made the women look at life in a different

perspective and was ready to take matters into their own hands. The women decided to start

robbing banks to gain money, power and respect. Even though this film is based on four

African-American women, this film reflects the reality of other women from different cultures as

well. Things did not end well for the women after robbing multiple banks. The police end up

putting the pieces together and determine that the four friends were the ones robbing the bank.

Eventually three of the friends would die during the robberies and one was able to get a way.

Personal Interview

On June 20, 2017, my sister was released from Delores J Baylor Womens Correctional

Center located in New Castle, Delaware. This was the second time that my sister had been

incarcerated as an adult. I can recall my sister getting into trouble as a young girl for fighting

and taking a knife to school. If my mom was not attending meetings at the schools; she

advocated to keep my sister in school and not have her sent to an alternative school for at-risk
WOMEN AND CRIME 6

children. However, my sister continued to get in trouble for fighting and was sent to an

alternative school. Even though my sister obtained her diploma, she never returned to a regular

setting school. The reason why I shared this information before discussing the interview was

because most people who offend as a juvenile end up offending as an adult. Before interviewing

my sister, I had to ask myself if I was ready to discuss and learn why my sister committed crimes

and not judge her and be sensitive with the information that she provided. On July 8, 2017, I had

the pleasure to sit down in my mothers home and interview my sister as it relates to women who

offend and life behind prison. I begin the interview by informing my sister of the purpose for the

interview. Then I asked my sister to tell me a little about herself. JW stated that she is an

African-American single woman with six children who reside in the city of Wilmington,

Delaware. JW stated that she is unemployed and have become a product of her environment. I

asked JW why is she unemployed. JW responded by stating that no one will hired her with a

record that includes: conspiracy and shoplifting. From that response, I asked what factors

contribute to the criminal charges. JW responded by saying she needed money to take care of

her children and she had no helped from the fathers. JW stated that she had financial problems

along with her addiction to opioids after being shot. JW stated that she needed money to support

her addiction and it was easy to go to the mall with friends and shoplift. I asked her if she ever

thought what would happen if she was ever to get caught shoplifting and spend time in prison.

JW replied that she knew our mother and myself would ensure that her children would be cared

for. Next, I asked what was the hardest part of being away from your children. JW stated it was

hard to call home and find out that my oldest son had been shot for the third time and not being

able to protect him or my other children. I asked her if she understood the effect of incarceration

on the family. JW responded by saying Yes and apologize for putting the burden of her
WOMEN AND CRIME 7

children on the family. The last question before completing the interview was how is life

behind the prison walls? JW stated that life behind the prison walls can be depressing, lonely,

and stressful. JW stated that she needed medication to go to sleep, only could use the phone at

certain times, had to wake up early for breakfast, eat lunch and dinner early, being lockdown

with women all day can be annoying. JW stated while being in prison this last time she spoke

with a caseworker who assisted her with applying for state benefits before entering back into

society. I concluded the interview by thanking JW for her time and being a part of this

assignment.

Summary of Immersion Project

When we think about women and crime, we typically think about all the things that they

have done wrong. We never take into consideration the factors that led to women committing

crimes. Most of the women who are in prison commit non-violent crimes. It is important that

we understand women and crime and become knowledgeable about this population. Some

women may be released from the penile system or have requirements for probation and need to

access the resources in the area. This project will help human service professionals become

cultural sensitive to this population and be able to service them better.

Assessing the Field Work Agency

Adopt A Family

3301 Green Street

Claymont, Delaware 19703

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Agencys Community

The population demographics for Claymont, Delaware in 2016 and 2017 consist of 8,253

population by race. Most of the population make up the Caucasian population. There are 5,286

Caucasians in Claymont, Delaware near Adopt A Family. There are 2,232 African-Americans in

the area. There are 584 Hispanics in the community. There are 315 Asians living in the

community. Other races make up 383 of the population. Adopt A Family is in the Claymont

Community Center. A nonprofit organization, Claymont Community Center is operated by the

Brandywine Community Resource Council, Inc. We are funded through the Delaware Grant-in-

Aid Program, United Way of Delaware, and contributions from other government agencies,

corporations, foundations, community organizations, businesses, and individuals. Claymont

Community Center provides a wide array of resources to help people improve their lives. There

are no local hospitals in the area, however there are MedExpress clinics in the area. Brandywine

School District have a host of schools in the area. Claymont Elementary is located at 3401

Green Street Claymont, Delaware. The Claymont Social Service Agency is in the Claymont

Community Center. The primary services inside the Claymont Community Center are
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Brandywine Senior Center, Claymont Counseling Center, Claymont Food Closet and Claymont

Learning Center. Food Lion is located at 3609 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, Delaware along with

Boston Market and Family Dollar. There are various banks in the area. Residents can go

clothing shopping at the Tri-State Mall in Claymont, Delaware. Women in the criminal justice

system live in low-income housing and work for employers in the area that hired individuals

with criminal backgrounds.

Access

Dart First State and the Delaware Transit Corporation provide public transportation to

Adopt A Family. This population can ride Bus#1 to Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, Delaware.

This population must walk 2 to 3 blocks from Philadelphia Pike to get to Adopt A Family. If the

population receives medical assistance they can request transportation and will be dropped off

right in front of the building. Adopt A Family information can be located on the State of

Delaware website or at local social service agencies. Also, individuals can contact 211 for

additional information or services.

Receptivity

Walking into the Claymont Community Center building I feel safe and welcome. The

receptionist area is very clean and brochures are available with different resources for clients

who enter the building. I do see myself reflected in the staff because the staff are always willing

to help. If the staff is not able to help they will refer clients to outside agencies or agencies

inside the building based on the need. All brochures in the building are conveyed in English or

Spanish. However, I do believe that the Adopt A Family office can be updated and clutter free.
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Administration and Staff Training

The mission for State of Delaware EEO and Diversity is to actively strive for a more

diverse work environment, express sensitivity towards the needs of others, and increase cultural

diversity among state employees. Adopt A Family administration and staff are offer trainings

through the state of Delaware. Statewide Training and Development offers a variety of training

and development programs to assist state employees of all levels with individual performance,

skill building, and career development. The State of Delaware offer online resources designed

for leaders, managers, supervisors, and HR and EEO Representatives. The resources are

intended to enhance and advance each State agencys diversity and inclusion efforts. Although,

Adopt A Family staff can take trainings through the State of Delaware regarding cultural

sensitivity this training is not offered for the population that I have learned about. The

population that I have learned about is most likely to be volunteers for Adopt A Family.

However, as volunteers go through the volunteer orientation training they are educated about

how they should respect individuals of other cultures. Volunteer orientation are held based on

when new volunteers are recruited for each program season. The State of Delaware hire

individuals who can pass a criminal background. Women with a criminal background depending

the charge will most likely be offer volunteer opportunities.

Funding

Adopt A Family utilize the following sources: individual donations and major gifts,

foundation grants and corporate sponsorship. These funds are used to fund year-round programs

that help to alleviate crisis for New Castle County families since 1973. Adopt A Family funding

do not support trainings and/or hiring practice that enhance culturally sensitive services to

women in the criminal justice system. The reason why funding is not used to support trainings
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and/or hiring practice is because the staff is employed through the State of Delaware and not

Adopt A Family. Adopt A Family funding do not pay for salaries or trainings. The funding may

cover supplies and miscellaneous items once approved by the board. The funding does allow for

cultural variation in programs and services. Adopt A Family has used the funding for community

outreach events and as they serve families that come from low-income, mothers to be, senior

citizens, and students. This is where Adopt A Family get their funding from, however there is

not funding allocated to service women in the criminal justice system.

Staff Sensitivity

Adopt A Family staff ensures that every client that they service are respected and treated

appropriately, regardless of who they are. Adopt A Family takes into consideration everyone

culture and the environments that they come from. Adopt A Family understands that every client

that they service have needs and wants just like the staff. Adopt A Family treat woman in the

criminal justice system with respect and as staff as they volunteer their time. I have never

witness any disrespect towards the clients that the Agency service or the population that I have

learned about. The staff at Adopt A Family are excited that they can serve clients every year and

put smiles on their face. Adopt A Family uses State of Delaware Hispanic employees to translate

for the Hispanic clientele. However, I have witness the site supervisor being disrespectful to

board members and paid staff. As an intern, I believe that everyone no matter who they are

should be treated with the same respect. Even as a board member of Adopt A Family I have

witness staff disrespect one another and I believe that the State of Delaware employees should be

offer sensitivity training.

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Effort

Adopt A Family does not currently reach out to women in the criminal justice system.

However, Adopt A Family does partner with Agencies who assist women in the criminal justice

system. Women in the criminal justice system are referred to Adopt A Family from other

Agencies for volunteer opportunities. There has been discussion within the Adopt A Family

board with including women in the criminal system on the council. Adopt A Family would like

to include this population because they do receive services from the Agency. Adopt A Family

believes that its important to include a variety of individuals including women in the criminal

justice system to reflect diversity and get input regarding specific programs, utilization and

administration. As of right now women in the criminal justice system are not members of any

committees within Adopt A Family. I believe that women in the criminal justice system input is

very much needed. I believe if this population communicated their needs to the Agency there

may be a program implemented to meet their needs. Adopt A Family service woman in the

criminal justice system if they need assistance with utilities, clothes, back to school supplies and

holiday gifts for their children. Could you imagine a program designed to prevent women from

reentering back into the penile system? I would like to see this population on the board and even

employed by the State of Delaware. If programs are implemented for this population, this is

another way for the Agency to receive funding. Currently women in the criminal justice system

do not have input in the decision making to develop culturally sensitive services.

Quality

It is vital for an Agency to evaluate for cultural congruence and sensitivity to the needs of

the population that they service. Adopt A Family does not have a tool that they use to evaluate

cultural congruence and sensitivity to the needs of women in the criminal justice system. If
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Adopt A Family had an evaluation they would be able to understand how the culture of the

population is an important factor and how they are impacted. It is important that the board and

staff of Adopt A Family understand the cultural context as programs are designed and as the

population of women in the criminal system become more diverse. Women in the criminal

justice system are not involved in assessing the quality of services. Adopt A Family do take into

consideration cultural variation and cultural barriers that women in the criminal justice system

might encounter in accessing services through Adopt A Family programs. Adopt A Family refer

women who come home from prison to educational programs inside the community building to

help them with educational needs once they realize some of their barriers. Adopt A Family

utilizes translators from the State of Delaware to translate for Spanish speaking clients.

Volunteers are always available to guide clients who may have difficulty completing paper work

for assistance. I believe that services that Adopt A Family offered are culturally sensitive to

women in the criminal justice system. I believe that Adopt A Family may be bias to other

populations that dont receive benefits from the state or never been arrested. There are other

populations that may fall into financial difficulties, however cant receive services because they

dont fit the Agency criteria. Adopt A Family can reevaluate their strategic planning or goals and

implement a tool to evaluate and understand the cultural differences for women in the criminal

justice system.

Efficiency

Adopt A Family programs are referral-based and families may be referred to the Agency

through Delaware public and private social service agencies for a variety of unexpected and

unforeseeable critical needs to help stabilize their family situation. Adopt A Family coordinate

well with EDSI and the Salvation Army to address the needs of women in the criminal justice
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system. Women who exit the penile system are most likely to apply for state benefits at a local

State Social Service Center. There are certain requirements that individuals must complete to

continue receiving benefits. Adopt A Family partner with EDSI and the Salvation Army Keep A

Job Program to offer volunteer services for individuals to maintain their benefits. Adopt A

Family has also connected with Volunteer Delaware to recruit individuals, families, faith-based

groups, youth organizations, civic associations and businesses statewide find meaningful

opportunities to serve those in their community who are experiencing a crisis.

Engagement, Trust, and Relationship-building

Working with women in the criminal justice system its important to understand who they

are as a person. Once you understand who the individual is, you must be careful not to judge.

Even though you may not have experience being involved in the criminal justice system, you

want to show empathy. Every time that I visit with this population I inform them that I am here

to assist them and will not do for. I dont tell clients what to do because they do have options

and ultimately the choice is theirs. I always remain calm and professional and never react to my

clients. I believe that you may not be able to change everyone, however you can reach one. It is

important to provide this population with the resources and tools to avoid them from returning to

the penile system. Lastly, good communication and listening skills is needed to begin a

relationship with women in the criminal justice system and establish trust. This population

wants to be heard and understood.

NOHS Standards for Cultural Competence

Human service professionals protect the clients right to privacy and confidentiality

except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency

guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws).
WOMEN AND CRIME 15

Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of

the helping relationship.

Agency

Adopt A Family protects all clients information. Adopt A Family keeps all clients

information confidential and do not share it with other agencies. As a member of the board, I

have never seen any of the clients information shared with the council. All clients information

is secured and only staff have access to their information. Adopt A Family inform clients that all

information is confidential and information will only be shared with their permission. Adopt A

Family may have clients sign a release if they would like information to be shared. When

volunteering with Adopt A Family during the holiday program, I am very careful when I come

across clients file that I may know. I remain professional always and treat each client that I may

have a personal relationship with as just a helping relationship when I am in the office.

Program and Services

Adopt A Family offers the following programs of support: Emergency Assistance, Adopt

A Mom, Clothing Closet, Adopt A Student and Holiday Program. The emergency assistance

program may be provided to families in special emergency situations to provide for such

essentials as shelter and utilities. The Adopt A Mom program provides products such as diapers,

clothing, and other personal baby care items are provided to support care for children up to 24

months. The clothing closet makes donated and used clothing, shoes, and accessories available

free of charge to families in need. The Adopt A Student program is seasonal and provide school

supplies and uniform gift cards are provided to school children. Lastly, the Holiday program

links community sponsors interested in providing holiday assistance to children, nursing home

seniors, and elderly individuals living alone with gifts and/or gift certificates.
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Personal Cultural Competencies

As a human service professional, I treat all clients with respect and expect the same from

them. I have learned that clients have options and I cant oppose my values on them. While

working with the Hispanic culture I am aware that their culture has different beliefs then the

United States. I must understand the impact of the Hispanic culture on family roles, education

and employment. Their culture is totally different than those born in the United States. I am also

involved with the culture committee at work. I gain knowledge regarding the different

populations that we serve. Its vital that human service professionals become cultural aware of

the clients that we serve.

Final Thoughts

After researching about women and crime I would like to gain more knowledge about

this population and study women gender. Its always good to learn about a population before

assuming. As human beings, we are quick to judge before understanding the reasons or the why

that clients are in certain situations. I will utilize what I learn as I continue to focus on assisting

women who exit the penile system with employment and housing within my organization.
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References

Mallicoat, S. L. (2012). Women and crime: a text/reader. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Women in the Criminal Justice System: Briefing Sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2017, from

http://www.sentencingproject.org/.../Women-in-the-Criminal-Justice-System