'Prove me the bam!': victimization and agency in the lives of young women who commit violent offences

Batchelor, S.A. (2005) 'Prove me the bam!': victimization and agency in the lives of young women who commit violent offences. Probation Journal, 52(4), pp. 358-375. (doi: 10.1177/0264550505058034)

Abstract

This article reviews the evidence regarding young women’s involvement in violent crime and, drawing on recent research carried out in HMPYOI Cornton Vale in Scotland, provides an overview of the characteristics, needs and deeds of young women sentenced to imprisonment for violent offending. Through the use of direct quotations, the article suggests that young women’s anger and aggression is often related to their experiences of family violence and abuse, and the acquisition of a negative worldview in which other people are considered as being 'out to get you' or ready to 'put one over on you'. The young women survived in these circumstances, not by adopting discourses that cast them as exploited victims, but by drawing on (sub)cultural norms and values which promote pre-emptive violence and the defence of respect. The implications of these findings for those who work with such young women are also discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Agency, gender-specific services, imprisonment, victimization, violent offending, worker-client relationship, young women.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Batchelor, Dr Susan
• Authors: Batchelor, S.A.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Probation Journal
• Publisher: Sage
• ISSN: 0264-5505
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2005 Sage
• First Published: First published in Probation Journal 52(4):358-375
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher