Social Violence: Gender and Crime Essay Example

granted parole despite her convictions for robbery, conspiracy, and murder. This is supported by her exemplary behavior and criminal record while serving her sentence in prison. Van Houten has shown significant personal growth, particularly through rehabilitation. Evidence of this transformation can be seen in the video recordings of her parole hearings, where she consistently demonstrates remorse and a strong commitment to rehabilitation. Moreover, she has maintained a disciplinary-free record throughout her incarceration (Butterworth & Carver, 2015). These factors collectively indicate that Van Houten no longer poses a threat to society. In fact, during her twentieth parole hearing, she openly acknowledged the gravity of her actions and expressed her dedication to creating a world free from violence.

Additionally, she meets the legal requirements for release and deserves to be free. This is because her behavior does not resemble that of a heartless murderer, and she has sincerely shown remorse. Maybe she should serve as an example to prove that rehabilitated offenders can be given another chance. Holding her unnecessarily consumes valuable resources that could be better used elsewhere or to imprison someone more deserving.

Despite recent changes made by the Harper administration, the implementation of stricter sentences to assert the power of the law has not resulted in a decrease in the number of people in prison. Prisons have long been utilized as a severe form of punishment for criminals but frequently impose disproportionate challenges, particularly for women. Furthermore, evidence suggests that a greater percentage of female offenders are imprisoned for less serious offenses (Brooks & Johnson, 2010).

It is essential to have separate programming and operational approaches in women's prisons compared to men's prisons. This is because women

who commit less severe crimes may face additional challenges, such as becoming victims of further offenses and experiencing mental health issues. Moreover, we must also take into account the specific difficulties encountered by mothers in the prison environment.

Separation of a baby from its mother is the usual practice when a woman gives birth in a state prison. This can potentially affect the child's development due to lack of parental care, emphasizing the importance of having separate women's prisons and men's prisons.

References

• Brooks, A., ; Johnson, R. (2010). Exposed Yet Unrevealed: Reflections on the Poetry of Women Prisoners. Gender Issues, 27(3/4), 146-164. doi:10.1007/s12147-010-9096-6
• Butterworth, J., ; Carver, S. (2015). Thinking skills. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Carrabine, E., ; Longhurst, B.

(2008). Gender and prison organization: Some comments on masculinities and prison management. The Howard Journal, 37161176

• Faith, K. (2015). The long prison journey of Leslie Van Houten: Life beyond the cult. Boston: Northeastern University Press.
• International Development Research Centre.

(2011). Theoretical Perspectives on Gender and Development. IDRC.