Womens Pathways into Crime | Research Project

Womens Pathways into Crime | Research Project EXPLORING WOMEN’S PATHWAYS INTO CRIME AT CHIKURUBI FEMALE PRISON WASHINGTON BONGANI NGULUBE Introduction The study of female crimes has been limited when compared to the study of male crimes. This research focuses on the why there has been an increase in women participating or committing criminal activities particularly armed robbery at Chikurubi Female Prison in Harare. This chapter will highlight the background to the topic of study and the reasons which prompted the researcher to purpose the research (statement of the problem). The chapter will also bring to light purpose of the study, research questions, and significance of the study. Assumptions, delimitations and limitations are eluded to in this chapter. Key terms which are significant to exploring women’s pathways into crime are also defined in this chapter. Background to the study There is a common perception that the criminal behaviour of women were not serious problems. Women are more likely to commit minor offenses and have historically constituted a very small proportion of the main population. But these facts mask a trend that is beginning to attract attention henceforth motivating the researcher to embark on the quest to get answers to these changes. The research seeks to give the reasons to why there has been an increase in women’s participation in criminal activities particularly armed robbery. The research will be conducted at Chikurubi Female Prison which is located in Harare, Zimbabwe. The student had the privilege to work at Parliament of Zimbabwe during the work related learning in 2013 and 2014. Henceforth the research study is a result of the student’s observations while working for the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The Women and Men in Zimbabwe periodic report in ZIMSTAT (2012) states that Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 12 973 808. Whereas, men constitute approximately 6 738 877 (48%) while women constitute 6 234 931 (52%). Harare is further evidenced as the Province with the largest population of 16.2 percent of the total population in Zimbabwe (ZIMSTAT, 2012). More so, the Women and Men in Zimbabwe periodic report in ZIMSTAT (2012) further brings to light that 48 percent of the female population is in the age group 15- 49. One would further argue that this is the reproductive age group among females. The drastic rise in women’s pathways into crime is fairly well known, less so is that the ranks of women crimes are increasing much faster than those of their male counterparts. However, there are no ready statistics but police and court cases show that the country now has a breed of female criminals, who are terrorizing the public and acting in cahoots with male accomplices. Women in Zimbabwe now have the dexterity to pinch from financial coffers, carry out highway robberies right up to raiding service stations while heavily armed to the teeth. About 3 499 people were kidnapped and robbed by pirate taxis and kombi drivers working in cahoots with female robbers countrywide last year (Butaumocho, 2014). Ibid further states that the situation is more pronounced in Harare where at least 1 200 cases of kidnapping and robberies by public transport drivers working in cahoots with female accomplices were recorded in the last quarter of 2013. One may argue that such cases of engaging in violent crimes like robbery have for long been considered a male domain because of the risks involved that include shoot outs and highway chases that may result in death. Women evidently are now participants of such criminal activities. The pace at which women are being convicted of serious offenses is picking up faster than the pace at which men are convicted. These dynamics motivated the student to embark into an academic research exploring the reasons to these changes (increase) between the period 2011 and 2014. ZIMSTA (2011) notes that 432 females were imprisoned during the 3rd quarter of 2011. The total number of prison admissions in the 3rd quarter of 2011 increased by 21 percent when compared to the 2nd quarter of 2011 while the number of new female prisoners increased by 10 percent in Zimbabwe. In comparison with the 4th quarter of 2012, a total 9 111 prisoners were admitted into prisons, consisting of 8 509 males and 602 females. ZIMSTA (2012) 4th quarterly report further reveals that female prisoners increased by 31 percent in the period under view. Harare province recorded to be having the highest number female prisoners indicating 155 prisoners. What animates the studies is not so much numbers of offenders but the particular circumstances of the women and girls â€Å"behind† the numbers. The involvement of women in robberies might be a fairly new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, the problem is being experienced in a number of countries across the globe. However, Harare as the capital city of Zimbabwe is evidently recording the highest female crime participation rate. Statement of the problem The student felt that there is a notable gap in literature and inadequate extensive research on the women’s pathways into crime in Zimbabwe. When a woman commits a crime, the usual explanation is that it is involuntary, defensive or a result of some mental illness or hormonal imbalance inherent in the female physiology. Engaging in violent crime for example, robbery has for long been considered a male domain because of the risks involved that include shoot outs and highway chases that may result in death. Zimbabwe seems to have recorded a disturbing increase in the involvement of woman in armed robberies, rape and other criminal activities in the past 3 years. There is no clear explanation for the increase of female robbers or participation of women in criminal activities. Could this be a result of women’s increased masculinity? Or the environment playing a significant influence on women’s participation into crime? Is it as a result of gender based violence? Such questions the research seeks to address in at Chikurubi Female Prison Significance of the study The study will shed light on what are the motivating factors which prompt the increase of women’s pathways into crime particularly in armed robbery. It is of paramount importance to assess the impact of the environment on the increase of women’s pathways into crime. The significance of the study to the: Government This research will be an eye opener for the Government and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and other government parastatals (Police, correctional services) to come up with effective polices and interventions on improving social order and deal with these crimes. Communities This research will help other women to avoid the pathways into crime and will help understand why other women participate in criminal activities. Future researchers The increase of women’s pathways into crime is a serious national and community problem which has to be addressed and thoroughly researched on. This research will help future researchers come up with ways to understanding the factors behind the increased women’s pathways into crime. The researcher The research will benefit the researcher as he aspires to further his studies in forensic psychology. Therefore, in carrying out this research, the researcher will gain valuable insight and knowledge into the subjects as he also fulfils the requirements to obtain an Honours Degree in Psychology. Research questions The research was based on the following questions: What are the psychological factors contributing to women’s pathways into crime? What are the contribution of socio-economic factors leading to women’s pathways into crime? How does culture influence women’s pathways into crime? Assumptions The research was based on the assumption that: Women are weaker than men. Purpose of the study The sole purpose of the research was to investigate the mitigating factors to increase of women participation into crime particularly in armed robbery. The research used the results to implement effective ways to help women in prisons to recover and it will also help to understand why women commit such criminal offences. Delimitations of the study The study was confined to focusing on pathways into crime and having women prisoners as the research subjects. Limitations Disclosure The researcher encountered a challenge in gathering information regarding women’s involvement and participation in criminal activities at CFP as they considered the information to be highly sensitive. Obtaining information from the subjects may also be a challenge. Therefore, the researcher sought permission first from the Department of Prisons Services Headquarters. Data collection procedures Data can be unreliable in the event participants choose not to participate. The researcher used popcorns and chips as incentives in order to motivate participates of participate. Time and financial constraints This research was conducted concurrently with final year modules. Time to effectively cover all issues and aspects involved in carrying out a proper research was restricted. There were a lot of resources needed for printing, internet research, typing and travelling which also put strain on the available resources. Therefore, the researcher came up with a budget and time plan which guided the researcher in efficient time and resource allocation. Definition of terms Women These are adult female humans (Wehmier, 2005). Pathways These are plans along or a way of achieving something (Wehmier, 2005). Crime This refers to those activities which break the law of the land and are subject to official punishment (Haralambos,0000). Summary This chapter provided the background to the area of study as well as highlighting the statement of the problem. The significance of the study, assumptions, purpose of the study, limitations and delimitations have also been addressed. This chapter also outlined the research questions. More so, the relevant terms to the research have been defined. Case Study: Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Case Study: Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Title: Knowledge required for decision making in adult nursing Introduction. This essay is primarily about the impact of Type 1 diabetes on a particular patient. It will consider not only the relevance of Type 1 diabetes to the patient and how they coped with it, but, in this particular case, how they also dealt with the health deviation of the development of a particularly severe peripheral neuropathy and the impact that the latter had on both their quality of life and their lifestyle. It is notable that the development of this complication had an impact not only on the patient, but also on both the family and his other informal carers. There is no consent form for this essay as the patient’s details have been annonymised. Rationale for choice of client and the health deviation. (200 words ) This essay will consider the case of Mr. J who is a 54 yr old postman. He was found to have Type 1 diabetes four years ago which was promptly diagnosed and brought under control with Insulin. Over the last six months he had developed painful legs and feet. Initially he ignored this, putting it down to â€Å"just getting older† and â€Å"circulationâ€Å". It got progressively worse however, to the point that he could not work. He took early retirement, a move which he later regretted. He was diagnosed with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. It was notable that Mr. J initially presented as a particularly stoic individual who made light of every adversity. His subsequent development of the neuropathy and retirement seemed to generate a marked change in his approach to life. He became withdrawn and resentful and difficult to live with. This was a major factor in his treatment plan. My initial contact with Mr. J came in the context of a primary health care setting when he presented at the diabetic clinic for a follow up appointment. He appeared to be particularly negative about his condition and we got into a conversation. I became interested in his situation and followed him up in some detail. Pathophysiology of the health deviation and its effect on the client. ( 1400 words). This essay is primarily about Mr. J and his peripheral neuropathy. This section will begin however, with a brief overview of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus There are two primary types of diabetes mellitus Types 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when there is an autoimmune process which culminates in the destruction of the ß cells of the pancreas together with a consequent reduction in the amount of circulating Insulin produced. (Meigs, J.B et al. 2003). Type 2 diabetes occurs when the circulating levels of insulin are insufficient to effectively control the glucose levels within normal limits. In clinical terms, this results in a high blood sugar level in association with high levels of circulating Insulin. A number of studies have suggested that Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 95% of all cases. (Narayan, K.M et al. 2003). In broad terms, the control of both types of diabetes mellitus requires rigorous attention to dietary intake of carbohydrates and calories and a controlled exercise regime. Type 1 diabetes is invariably treated with insulin and Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet alone (with or without weight loss) and the possibility of oral hypoglycaemic drugs. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is a comparatively common complication of diabetes mellitus and some studies suggest that it can affect up to 50% of diabetic patients (viz. Boulton A J M et al. 2000). The development of the neuropathy is a feared complication as it is likely to predispose the patient to a number of sequelae including varying degrees of functional limitation together with the possibility of unremitting pain and motor unsteadiness. (Reiber G E et al. 1999). Its end stage sequelae include intractable diabetic foot ulceration and amputation. (Pecoraro R E et al. 2000). Virtually all of these elements are associated with very substantial health care costs, quite apart from major socio-economic consequences such as loss of work time and a reduced quality of life. (Rathman W et al. 2003) A number of studies (viz. Vileikyte L 1999 and Vileikyte L et al. 2005) have presented the association of peripheral diabetic neuropathy with depressive illness. This is clearly relevant to Mr. J in this case and therefore will be explored in some detail. The literature on the subject is contradictory with the meta-analysis by de Groot (de Groot M et al. 2001) finding little evidence to support the association. It is fair to comment that part of the reason for this apparent discrepancy may be due to the reason that there was a considerable variation in the techniques used to diagnose peripheral diabetic neuropathy which meant that different populations were included in different studies. (Boulton A J M et al. 1999) This comment is based on the discovery that different types of nerve fibre are affected in different types of peripheral diabetic neuropathy and in different individuals. It follows that more than one modality of testing is required to establish a diagnosis. A second factor is that the severity of the neuropathy, as determined by objective testing, actually correlates poorly with the subject’s assessment of their pain levels. Patients (such as Mr. J) who have high levels of perceived pain, may have remarkably preserved sensory function on clinical testing. Some authorities have argued that this may demonstrate a central processing component to the subjective appreciation of the pain from neuropathy. It is known that less that 10% of patients who have a peripheral diabetic neuropathy have severely painful symptoms and many experience no symptoms of pain at all. (Chan A W et al. 1999) The pathophysiology of peripheral diabetic neuropathy still remains unknown in any detail but there is evidence that metabolic and ischaemic components are implicated. (Leon C et al. 2007). Chronic hyperglycaemia is known to be associated with small blood vessel disease and therefore reduced blood flow to the nerves. It is also known to interfere with myoinositol, sorbitol and fructose metabolism, all of which are essential for nerve activity. (Dyck P J B et al. 2003) There is also thought to be a mechanism of oxidative stress that is important. Free oxygen radicals (produced in diabetes mellitus) activate protein kinase C which has been shown to produce damage to nerve cells. A number of papers show that there is a link between the degree of control of the diabetes mellitus, the length of time since diagnosis and the eventual development of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (viz. Pirart J 1977) Consider how this health deviation impacts upon the clients journey through health care. (500 words) In consideration of the specific case of Mr. J, one can note that his diabetes mellitus was diagnosed four years ago. He presented with the classic symptoms of suddenly feeling unwell, frequency of urination and increasing thirst (polyuria and polydypsia). He was correctly and promptly diagnosed by the GP and referred to the local diabetic clinic where he was swiftly brought under control with injected insulin. Mr. J proved to be a good patient. Considerations of empowerment and education of the patient paid dividends with Mr. J rapidly learning about his condition and he became very competent in managing it on a day to day basis, learning how to adjust the insulin doses himself. (Howe A et al. 2003). The impact of the development of his peripheral diabetic neuropathy cannot be overstated. It was responsible for his decision to retire early, a decision which he rapidly regretted. He became depressed and withdrawn, taking little pride in his appearance and less care with his glycaemic control. He was initially treated with anti depressants (with marginal success). At the time of writing he is undergoing a course of cognitive behaviour therapy to try to remedy the situation. His HbA1 levels, which were initially exemplary, became erratic and are only now coming back to normal levels. His peripheral diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed with the specialist using a number of diagnostic tools including electro-diagnostic studies (EDS), cardiovascular autonomic function testing (cAFT) together with physical examination scoring, quantitative sensory testing (QST) (Meijer J W G 2002) It is known that peripheral diabetic neuropathy is notoriously resistant to treatment. There are four basic elements: causal treatment aimed at (near)-normoglycemia, treatment based on pathogenetic mechanisms, symptomatic treatment avoidance of risk factors and complications. (CS 1998) At this time the only specific treatment licensed for peripheral diabetic neuropathy is alpha-lipoic acid. This may be assisted by specific analgesics such as duloxetine and pregabalin, otherwise treatment is symptomatic and the treatment of subsidiary factors (such as alcohol intake, hypertension, smoking and cholesterol control) to prevent a worsening of the condition. Potential influences of the health deviation on the long term well being of the client and family significant others. ( 600 words ) The impact of Mr. J’s condition on the life of the family has been considerable. All family members were very positive about his primary diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. His development of secondary conditions such as the peripheral diabetic neuropathy and the depression were far more challenging. Mrs J complained that he was difficult to live with, lost all interest in sexual matters, had poor self esteem and started to self neglect. The primary health care diabetic nurses spent as much time supporting (empowerment and education) Mrs J as they did Mr. J. It remains to be seen how Mr. J progresses with his cognitive behaviour therapy and his depression. Mrs J blames his early retirement on the development of his depression rather than the peripheral diabetic neuropathy. One can only hope that Mr. J does not progress to foot ulceration and a further reduction in his quality of life. Learning gained. (150) words. The research that I have done into this condition has given me a must more complete knowledge of the pathophysiology of peripheral diabetic neuropathy together with the treatment and support that is necessary for both the patient and his informal carers. It has become quite clear that it is simply not sufficient to control the diabetes mellitus, the patient and their extended family will need huge amounts of both information and support if their condition is to be optimally managed Specifically I have realised just how important it is to make a holistic assessment of the patient at the earliest opportunity, to gain an empathetic bond early on so that it becomes easier to identify problems at their earliest stage rather than waiting for the patient to present them at a stage when they are more difficult to manage. (Marinker M.1997) Conclusion (50 words) . This essay revolves around the appreciation of how difficult some patients find it to adapt to the illness role when they have been fit and active throughout their lives. It is one of the challenges of the good healthcare professional to understand and to pre-empt some of these adaptive processes to help their patients accommodate this transition. (Newell N et al. 1992). I believe that Mr. J has made some progress with dealing with his condition but there is clearly a long way yet for him to go. References Boulton A J M, Gries F A, Jervell J A: (1999) Guidelines for the diagnosis and outpatient management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabet Med 15: 508 – 514, 1999 Boulton A J M, Malik R A, Arezzo J, Sosenko J M: (2000) Diabetic neuropathy: technical review. Diabetes Care 27: 1458 – 1487, 2000 Chan A W, MacFarlane I A, Bowsher D R: (1999) Chronic pain in patients with diabetes mellitus: comparison with non-diabetic population. 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