Understanding the complex interplay between substance use, offending behaviour and victimisation amongst women in Malta : a grounded theory study

Abstract

A plethora of quantitative studies have been dedicated to understanding the social and psychological phenomena of offending behaviour, substance abuse and victimisation. Traditionally, these have been examined as distinct entities with a predominant focus on their influence on the male forensic population. However, the gender gap with regards to crime and substance abuse is narrowing. A review of the current literature indicates a dearth of research and theories exploring the complexity and interrelatedness of these phenomena, particularly within the female population and even more so within the Maltese context. The aim of this research is to fill this lacuna in the literature by developing a grounded theory of the complex interplay between victimisation, substance abuse and offending behaviour among women in the Maltese context. Guided by a career approach conceptual framework, this was carried out through the exploration of the victimisation, addictive and offending career trajectories of 12 women, who are either incarcerated or in a residential drug treatment facility. Data was gathered qualitatively through in-depth interviews and analysed using a grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990) methodology. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently with theoretical sampling and the constant comparative method guiding the research process. A grounded substantive theory, highlighting the gendered nature of the phenomena was developed and seven core categories were elicited, highlighting how the process initially unfolds and develops over time. The strategies that the participants employed to negotiate gender-based victimisation experiences throughout their lifetime, namely the development of a victim identity and the self-medication of emotional distress were explored, together with their influence on the onset and development of the careers as female addicts and offenders. The impact of changes in identity, such as the tension created between deviant and conventional identities was analysed with reference to major turning points, such as pregnancy and motherhood. An exploration of facilitating contingencies on the process of desistance was also conducted, including the role of shame and the awareness of the negative impact of the deviant lifestyle on the self and on the family. Moreover, the obstacles towards exiting the process, such as a lack of motivation and desire, were also explored. This was done in light of the participants’ interpretation of such contingencies. The research highlighted a number of implications for practice, policy and future research. These include the need for gender-responsive intervention and interagency collaboration that acknowledges and accommodates for the complex and unique needs of female substance users and offenders.