Clinical and social factors contributing female offending in Russia

Abstract

Background

Researches on female offenders have indicated a high degree of psychiatric morbidity among women. The rates of female criminality and the number of females in prisons in Russia are dramatically rising.

Aim of the study

The main purpose of this investigation was to find out origins of crimes in women.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of 53 females with diagnosis of personality disorder was examined by forensic psychiatrists. All women had committed crimes of violence (murders, attempted murders). Details of background, psychiatric and offending history were extracted. Each item was assessed with the help of descriptive statistics.

Results

In the majority of the sample women had a previous history of psychiatric admissions (child psychiatric hospitals, adolescent units). The retrospective review revealed that the majority of women in their childhood were exposed to emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Results of this study point that maltreatment may distort personality formation and social adjustment and contribute to criminal behavior in adulthood.

Conclusion

The study revealed that psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence are predictive of adult criminality in females.