Child Victims As Adult Offenders

Foregrounding the Criminogenic Effects of (Unresolved) Trauma and Loss

Bibliographic Data

ID8403447
AuthorsMark Halsey (0000-0002-1414-9346, Flinders University, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume58
Issue1
Pages17-36
Publication date2018-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe British Journal of Criminology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-0955 • E-ISSN: 1464-3529
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/bjc/azw097
OpenAlexW2601998875
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited26

This article examines the link between unresolved childhood trauma and loss issues and the impact on serious offending into and beyond early adulthood. Drawing on in-depth interview data with second- and third-generation prisoners, I revisit the work of Fairbairn and position criminal conduct as the material manifestation of the persistent and treacherous ‘return of bad objects’ in adult offenders’ lives. Close attention is given to how custodial environments address prisoners’ trauma and loss issues, and, more pointedly, to how the failure to bring such issues safely to the fore has real implications for prisoner reintegration and public safety. In concluding, I argue that even the best therapeutic work in custodial environments is liable to falter if not matched with concerted efforts to transform the social, economic and cultural milieus to which people return on release.

Criminology · Foregrounding · Child Abuse and Trauma · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Psychology · Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending · Social Psychology

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