Exploring the experiences of transgender women in the criminal justice system

Tan, Janice (2023). Exploring the experiences of transgender women in the criminal justice system. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The broad aim of the current thesis was to explore the experiences of transgender women in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), with the view to better understand the needs of this population and consider the implications for practice. Chapter one provides a background to the research area, which provides a context for remaining chapters. Chapter two presents a systematic review of the existing literature, which explores the experiences of CJS staff working with this population and also includes first-hand accounts from people who identify as transgender. The findings of this review highlighted the unique challenges faced by transgender prisoners and the potential benefits of raising awareness to the key matters related to gender inclusion to practitioners. Conclusions derived from this chapter identified that it is an under-research area. Chapter three presents an empirical study with transgender sexual offenders in the community (under the care and management of Probation Services). Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study gained an in-depth understanding of the experiences of three transgender people who have encountered the court, police, prison and probation services. Two superordinate themes were identified: “\(\textit{The process of coming out}\)” and “\(\textit{How the world treats/sees me}\)”. The results are discussed with respect to practical implications, whilst outlining suggestions for further research. Chapter four outlines a critique of a risk assessment tool - the Risk Matrix 2000 (RM2000) - and considers the use of the assessment with transgender sexual offenders. Conclusions elicited from this chapter referred to the need for practitioners to be cautious about the accuracy of their assessments, and subsequent decisions. Chapter five concludes the thesis with a summary of the main findings and provides recommendations for practice and areas for further research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):