LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN EX-OFFENDERSBadilla, A.S.,Jardinico, H.F. F., Moronio, H.R., & Nillasca, H.M.P.

Abstract

Various researches have been conducted regarding men ex-inmates and only few studies have been reported about women. Thus, a qualitative study was derived to probe the lived experiences of women ex-offenders particularly the challenges that they faced after their incarceration. This study delves on the psychological as well as the social aspect of the participants to know their resilience. The result shows that women ex-offenders’ imprisonment was triggered by poverty and influence of peers. Also, this study reveals that the participants’ incarceration led them to suffer its after effects such as discrimination, unemployment, and fear. However, it led them to avoid recidivism. Furthermore, the participants developed resiliency by means of learning from their experiences, accepting their accountabilities, lowering their expectations, and looking on the brighter side of their experiences. Lastly, their support system includes their family and faith/religion which served as the primary source of their emotional, financial and moral support.

INTRODUCTION

The removal of a person’s liberty is a serious matter (Hafling, 2012) and it happens when

a person is incarcerated. The prison environment may be psychologically traumatic for ex-

offenders (Haney, 2010). Incarceration can cause negative psychological changes like

diminished sense of self-worth, difficulties in re-establishing healthy family relationships,

problems in finding gainful employment and post-traumatic stress disorders which can affect all

areas of a woman’s life – relationships, career, and recovery from addiction (Davis, 2010). This

could also have an effect in an ex-offender’s social life such as employment, housing and

discrimination (Grashaw, 2008).

When the general public thinks about jails, typically what comes to mind is a picture of

an all-male population, with most inmates covered in tattoos and it is rare for women to be seen

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inside the jail. The reason might be because only few women are incarcerated as compared to

men. This becomes the interest of the researchers, particularly on how women adjust after their

incarceration.

Furthermore, after being released from incarceration, all ex-offenders seem to enter into

the “second wall”. They have to battle the invisible walls shaped by social stigma, fear and

distrust from the society. Social stigma is one of the common problems which ex-offenders are

facing today. This is one of the reasons why they find it hard to change themselves for the better

because of the labels being imposed on them. In other words, social stigma imposed on the ex-

offenders impedes their willingness to change for the better (Clark, 2012).

Moreover, women after incarceration might encounter different problems than male ex-

offenders because in most correctional institutions, women are offered fewer programs than men

(Covington, 2009). According to Bindel (2008), for some women, life after their release from

jail is unbearable. It could be a nightmare because they rarely have any support from government

agencies, have often lost contact with or been disowned by their families, and in many cases,

have lost their children, housing, and friendship network during their imprisonment.

The lost of support from significant people in their lives, the social stigma and the lack of

institutional programs that prepare women for reintegration in the society, are the challenges that

are being faced by the women after incarceration. With these difficulties, the questions are “How

do women respond to it?” and “Do they become resilient or not?”

Many studies have already been conducted about the lived experiences of men after

imprisonment but only few explored about women. This study emerged out of the researchers’

curiosity about the lived experiences of women ex-offenders. Therefore, this study explored the

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post-imprisonment life of women ex-offenders in the Philippines particularly in Palawan and see

how they reintegrate with the society.

Literatures are surrounded by different reintegration issues of ex-offenders. The

following literatures below show the barriers and the helping factors for reintegration of ex-

offenders to the society.

Barriers for Reintegration to Society

Ex-offenders face several barriers during reentry from jail to society (Koski &Bantley,

2013) and its success depends upon their training and employment (MacDonald, 2009).

However, Piquero (2010) suggested that successful community reentry may depend on the

attitudes and consequent reactions that prisoners encounter after release. The prison environment

may be psychologically traumatic and cause emotional distancing. The adaptation to

imprisonment is almost always difficult and, at times, creates habits of thinking and acting that

can be dysfunctional in periods of post-prison adjustment (Haney, 2001). There are hundreds of

thousands of people released from prison annually and many of them are found to have

substance abuse, economic, health and family problems that need to be addressed for them to

become productive, law-abiding members of the society. Beyond rapidly rising rates of

imprisonment, offenders leave prison only to be subjected to various continuing restrictions,

some lasting for life (Pager, 2004).

Unemployment

The most common challenge that women ex-offenders face are unemployment and

discrimination (Grashaw, 2006). The biggest barrier for ex-offenders finding a job is their

criminal record. Typically, when assessing a job application from an ex-offender, most

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employers’ major concern is the type of crime they committed. This was followed by the lack of

work experience and poor reputation (Murray, 2011). According to a study, there is a possibility

that about 60% of employers would probably not hire an individual with a criminal record

(Zapanta, 2011). Berman (2006) suggests that unemployment after incarceration is caused by

being economically disadvantaged, having low educational attainment, limited job skills and

sporadic employment histories. Being an ex-inmate per se reduces the chance of finding a job

(Alvarez & Loureiro, 2012). Employers often do not want to give ex-offenders a second chance.

Non-acceptance has killed the only hope that these ex-offenders have to reintegrate into the

society (Singapore Prison Service, 2009). When it comes to finding employment, employers in

most states reject jobs to people who were arrested but never convicted of any crime. In addition,

employers in most states can deny jobs or fire anyone with a criminal record, regardless of

individual history, circumstance, or business necessity. Also, some 90 % of women had chronic

health conditions after their release thus failing them to work (MacDonald, 2009).

Discrimination

Furthermore, ex-offenders experience social stigma, fear, and distrust from the society

(Berman, 2006) and our society view them negatively which makes their reintegration into

society very difficult (Kenemore & Roldan, 2006). By simply carrying the “ex-inmate” as a

label, they are already excluded in the society (Visher & Travis, 2003). Most ex-inmates say

their lives have been transformed into hell by the society after they were released (Bhachi, 2012).

In a compilation of interview of ex-offenders, Margaret Antonio, an ex-inmate who spent 12

years inside the prison said:

I live with my sister and I can clearly see that she is not comfortable when I am with her children. She does not want to leave them in my care. Yes, I sinned but I was just a naïve

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young girl. I know that what I did was wrong, but after spending 12 years of my life behind bars, I think I have paid for my sins. I served my sentence, but society has decided to sentence me for life.

Social stigma imposed to the ex-inmates hinders their willingness to change for the better

because of the negative impression of people towards them (Clark, 2012). The society treats ex-

offenders unfairly because they feel they should compensate for their wrongdoing (Hafling,

2012).

The society plays a significant role in the reintegration of the ex-offenders. Ex-offenders,

no matter what mistakes they made, are still part of us and are assets to the society. However,

despite the willingness of the ex-offenders to start from ground zero, some people shun away and

discriminate them (Finn, 2009).

Lack of Social Support

Incarceration can cause negative psychological changes like diminished sense of self-

worth and personal value which make it difficult to re-establish healthy relationships (Davis,

2010). Due to this, the ex-offenders face the challenge of reuniting with their family and/or close

friends (Martinez, 2009). According to Patricia O'Brien (2001), not all families are supportive to

women ex-offenders. Some are afraid of having the former inmate in their home especially if

domestic violence, abuse, drug offenses, or other violent acts were the reasons why the

individual was imprisoned in the first place.

Moreover, a study by O’Briel (2002) suggests six (6) barriers to successful reintegration

into society: (1) Reestablishing a home and family life, including regaining legal and physical

custody of children; (2) finding affordable housing and meeting other basic needs; (3) securing

employment that pays a sufficient income; (4) making decisions about continuing prior intimate

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relationships, which may have been exploitative, sexually or physically abusive; (5) creating a

new relational web of connections that reinforces non-criminal attitudes and behaviors; and (6)

negotiating the stigmatized perception of women ex-prisoners by the general public.

Given the overwhelming problems that ex-offenders face, it is no surprise that recidivism

rates are so high. The costs for society, both financially and in terms of public safety, are

enormous (Bush, 2004).

Successful community reentry and the criminological impact of incarceration may

depend in part on the attitudes and consequent reactions that prisoners encounter after release

(Piquero, 2010).

Helping Factors for Reintegration into Society

A successful psychosocial adjustment requires a friendly environment (Lau & Tin, 2006).

It is also influenced by accessible resources for coping such as physical, social, psychological

and cultural resources (Eckenrode 1991). Women, compared to men are less equipped to

reintegration (O'Briel, 20002). For them, it is the supportive interpersonal relationships which

are vital for their successful reintegration (Cobbina,2009). Family members are usually the

primary source of both economic and emotional support of women ex-offenders (Bindel, 2008)

and are also an important part of helping prisoners avoid substance abuse and other issues that

often led to their imprisonment (MacDonald, 2009). It was seen that individuals who maintain a

strong family support system throughout their incarceration tend to have better post release

outcomes and lower recidivism rates (Martinez, 2009). It was also proven that family treatment

during incarceration improves the inmates' outcome after release from prison (Young, 2006).

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In addition, the ex-offenders’ faith and prayer plays an important aspect of their

reintegration into society (Martinez, 2009). According to Proctor (2009), religion can provide

emotional support, a blueprint to change, and can also reinforce inmates new direction. Religious

participation and spirituality were highlighted by inmates as a mechanism for moving away from

criminality, as many drug and alcohol programs and faith-based initiatives within prisons place

emphasis on spiritual growth to avoid criminal activities.

Lastly, one of the most critical issues in determining whether an ex-prisoner can

successfully reenter society is their training and employment. Women face daunting challenges

when it comes to fulfilling their basic needs once they leave prison, including finding a job and

somewhere to live (Spiegel & Grau, 2010). The programs offered in prison affect their

resettlement in the community (Beribaum, 2009). In some cases, prisons often fail to provide any

type of job training to prisoners, which means they leave prison without any way to earn a living

(MacDonald, 2009).On the other hand, according Piper Kerman (2010), there are correctional

system that provides some programs on how to live a successful life outside the prison but very

little of it are of practical value.

Several campaigns and programs are now being run by different countries to support

women ex-offenders. One of these is the campaign in Australia for women who were released

from prisons which was officially launched by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton last May,

2012. This campaign is called the “Yellow Ribbon Project”. This aims to engage the community

in accepting former women prisoners and their families by giving them a second chance to

succeed in life, helping them gain employment and build a supportive community around them

(Lewis, 2012).

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Another project that supports women ex-offenders is the Women’s Leisure and

Performance Project at the Grand Valley Institute for Women by Susan Arai. This explores the

importance of building relationships to bridge the chasm between women and their community.

This also discovers ideas of autonomy, freedom, risk, hope, identity and difference, power and

agency through women’s engagement in the performance of spoken word, poetry, songs, and

drumming. In addition, in New York City a unique program, Project Green Hope, has helped

thousands of women by working to heal their addictions and by giving them the tools they need

to reclaim their lives.

METHODS

Research Design

This study explored the phenomenology of women ex-offenders through the use of

Descriptive Method. The Descriptive Method of research was used to describe the respondents'

experiences through gathering of an in-depth understanding of their current conditions after

released from jail. As Qualitative Research, the data was originated from interview transcripts

and observation notes that contextually laden, subjective, and richly detailed data (Ardales,

2008) in which the researchers had analyzed the gathered data thoroughly. Also, Indigenous

Method was utilized specifically the patanung-tanong at pakikipagwentuhan (Sevilla, 1998).

Research Participants

The researchers used the Purposive Sampling where the participants were selected

according to the purpose of the researchers and not all of the individuals in the population are

given an equal chance to be included in the sample (Ardales, 2008). Participants of this study

were identified through the use of Snowballing Technique. The first participant was identified

through the list given by the City Jail personnel. After the first interview, the participant referred

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other possible participants for the study. Through this process, five ex-offenders were gathered

and willingly shared their experiences. Their age ranges from 20 to 60 years old. They had been

detained (regardless of their case) for at least one (1) year at Puerto Princesa City Jail.

Research Instrument

A semi-structured interview guide was utilized. To validate this instrument, a pilot study

was conducted to a woman who is currently detained in the City Jail. The first part of this

interview guide lays out the supplementary profile so as to broaden participant's context. The

second part dealt with their lived experiences after they have been released from jail. Follow-up

questions had been prepared for further information and clarifications. Audio – recording device

was used in each interview in securing their verbatim accounts. This device was used after

securing the participants permission.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers convinced and clearly explained to the participants the confidentiality

and the purpose of the research. Interviews were conducted in their preferred place; in their

house and place of work. It was done in the form of kwentuhan where the participant shared her

stories to the group of researchers.

Data Analysis

Thematic analysis was utilized. Data was transcribed, coded and analyzed. After several

reading and re-reading, verbatim accounts were combined and catalogued related patterns into

themes and sub-themes (Flick, Kardorff, & Steinke, 2004). Themes that emerged from the

informants' stories are pieced together to form a comprehensive picture of their collective

experience. From this process, the story line developed was used by the researcher in writing the

experiences of women ex-offenders.

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RESULTS

Precipitating Factors for Incarceration

The majority of women commit crimes for similar reasons that women are not naturally

criminals. Based on the results, it was revealed that women are driven to commit crime by

factors such as being concerned about the needs of their family and being controlled by someone.

Here is some of the precipitating for participants to commit crime.

Family Welfare

To provide financial support for her family is the main concern of Neng which led her to

commit the crime. Neng narrated that she shouldered all responsibilities for the family after her

husband left her for another woman. As a “balut” vendor she finds it difficult to provide for her

three children. She stated that they had no permanent shelter that led them to transfer from one

place to another. This participant admitted that she committed the crime for the sake of her

children. According to her:

Ginawa ko yun para may makain kasi kami…Pero ako na din yung bumuhay kaya ako pumasok sa mga ano…” [referring to the syndicate of shoplifters] (Neng)

This transcript shows that as a woman, the participant’s concern is to provide food for her family

which led her to resort in an unlawful ways in order to survive. Neng admitted the allegations of

stealing items from the ukay-ukay for the sake of her children.

On the other hand, Lia admitted that she became accessory to the crime of her husband.

She tolerated her husband's unlawful act of drug pushing in order to send their children to school.

Lia did not deny the crime she did and accompanied her husband inside the jail. She believes

that:

“At saka, pag ginawa mo yun para sa pamilya mo, maiintindihan ka ng Diyos.” (Lia)

Transcript shows that for mother, her children were the centers of her life. Lia and Neng believed

that their motives of providing the needs of their children can be used as an excuse for their

unlawful acts.

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Wrong companion

When she transferred from Manila to Puerto Princesa given that no known relatives here,

it led her to choose the wrong company of friends whom also influenced Isay to involve in

substance abuse. Isay’s drug abuse issue is the same with Ging and Reena’s case who admitted

that they were both caught together with their friends while having “pot” session. However, Ging

denied that she committed the crime. According to her, she was doing the laundry when the

policemen raid her friend's house and arrested her. On the other hand, Reena admitted that she

used to be a substance abuser but denied of being a drug pusher.

These three participants claimed that they were involved in substance abuse only because

they have been encouraged by their friends as Neng stated that:

“Ano lang un.. hmm.. napasama lang ako sa mga sindikato.” (Neng)

This transcript shows that some women claimed that they unwillingly did their crimes. The

participants admitted that they committed crime due to the limited options and according to them

it was just “kapit sa patalim”.

Moreover, it was observed that those who committed crime for the sake of their families

have a positive outlook in life compared to those who were just accused of the crime. Added to

that, the relationship of these women participants in their nuclear family remains important

source of support and psychological strength.

After Effects of Incarceration

It is known that women face daunting challenges when it comes to fulfilling their basic

needs once they leave the jail. They struggled on issues like finding a job and somewhere to live

upon their released from jail. This study revealed that women’s incarceration affected them by

experiencing the social stigma and fear which helps them to avoid the recidivism.

Social Stigma

Reintegration to their respective communities has been the challenge faced by women

participants after their incarceration. They claimed that they felt discriminated, prejudiced, and

stereotyped. They heard direct criticisms from their neighbors. Ging narrated that she had a mild

stroke during her period of incarceration that led her to put in a house arrest, but she also claimed

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to be acquitted from the case filed against her. Being placed in a house arrest caused her negative

feedbacks from her neighbors. Ging complained that she heard other people doubted her release

from jail saying that she was released because of her health condition and not by being acquitted,

she stated:

“Naririnig ko po na sabi nila “Yan galing yan sa loob. Yan nalabas lang yan kasi house arrest lang yan” (Ging)

This transcript shows negative feedback from the people within the participant’s community. It

elucidated the kind of criticisms that had been experienced by the participants as an effect of

their incarceration. Reena added that:

“Oo, parang akala nila eh mamamatay tao ka, yung ganun.” (Reena)

This account exhibit the stigma suffered by the women who were detained in jail. The thought

that all incarcerated individuals were guilty of heinous crime (i.e. killed someone) greatly caused

social stigma among these women participants. This thought led Ging and Reena to feel

insignificant, isolated, and unfairly treated. It impedes their successful reintegration in the

society. Reena narrated that her self-esteem was affected and as a result she had self-pity. She

said that:

“Nakakapangliit, nakakapangliit, yun…nakakapangliit…” (Reena)

It is shown in this verbatim account that some participants were discriminated in a form of

avoidance because people seem to be aloof to them. As Lia stated that she heard people talking

about her past incarceration but instead of taking it negatively, she just initiates to open about the

issue. But she confessed that sometimes she feels that people seems to be uneasy when she is

around and told her that it is because of her incarceration. These instances resulted to social

exclusion as Lia stated:

“Parang medyo aftraid sila ganun.. takot sila parang ganun..” (Lia)

Another participant admitted that she experienced discrimination. According to Isay, she

sometimes perceive that people seems to be distant to her due to her incarceration. She also

stated that her children did not know that she was imprisoned for one year. Currently, she is

residing together with her husband who also came from jail. She added that her husband’s family

accepted her since some her husband's relatives also experienced the jail life.

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“Ok naman, yun nga lang, mapapansin na parang minsan merong naiilang sayo..” (Isay)

Based on the transcripts, it is shown that stigmatization is the hardest part that is usually

experienced by the participants after their release such as reintegration to the society most

especially in labor market. It reveals that their label imposed on them as an ex-offender is one of

the common problems that hindered these women to immediately reintegrate in the society.

Moreover, social stigma is very evident when they experienced difficulty in finding a

decent job. According to Isay, she had a hard time in finding a job after her release. She narrated

that upon her release she roamed around the city and tried to apply in different job opening such

as a laundry woman. She presumed that the reason for her adversity in looking for a decent work

was her jail detention. She felt the negative labels associated to people who served time in jail as

she stated:

“Yung syempre ung nahirapan kang pumasok sa trabaho na desente. Yung dayo ano lang ito kasi eh, job-job lang naman ito eh. Simula na nakalabas ako, nag-apply ako ng trabaho.. akala ko matatanggap na ako.. pero siguro alam nila na ano ako.. tinanggihan ako.” (Isay)

The transcript reveals that incarceration affected the participant’s opportunity for employment.

However, this issue of opportunity for employment may not be solely caused by their

incarceration. Instead, their skills and abilities can also be a significant factor for their

employment which may explain why participants end up working in menial jobs.

Women’s jail records hampered their social reintegration. Their incarceration led

some of these women to experience social discrimination (both real and presumed) and fear of

being arrested again. But it was observed that those participants who expected to be negatively

treated after their detention had easily coped up as compared to those participants who hoped to

be treated nicely after their jail life.

Unexplainable Fear

Ging said that she used to be friendly before her jail life and frequently hangs out with

her “barkadas” who also influenced her to engage into different vices such as drinking and

gambling. She put her full confidence on her friends and in their friendship however during the

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course of her detention, her friends did not care to visit even ones. Consequently, she developed

negative impression about friendship. She feared to be associated with them once more.

Participants agreed to think that they had fair-weather friends. They described it as friend

who is present during good times but not available in times of challenges and bad times. Thus,

they reported it as the source of their intense fear to mingle with their former peer group. Women

said that their jail experiences made them realized that they need to choose people whom they

will put their trust.

Lia admitted that she gave consent on her husband to sell prohibited drugs. Although she

was acquitted from her case, her husband is still in jail. Lia recounted that she and her husband

were arrested by the policemen while crossing the street. After her release, that particular

incident made her apprehensive when she is outside her home because of the fear that people

might misinterpret her acts and be arrested again. As Lia stated:

“Oo, kasi pag sa labas ka kasi baka mamaya pag naglalakad-lakad ka bigla kang damputin ng pulis yung parang ano ka.”

and she added that:

“Ay mahirap talaga, naku. Syempre yung ultimo magtawid ka ng kalsada takot ka.” (Lia)

This transcript revealed that the participant had developed fear of being caught and arrested

again in unexpected situations. The participants became suspicious and paranoid about the

presence of policemen.

Lia recalled that she became socially withdrawn upon her release but through the help of

her mother-in-law, she was able to go through the process of reintegration. Currently, she is

renting a stall at the market. She prefers to personally talk about her past experiences than

hearing curious people talking behind her back. She never denied the fact about her

incarceration. In spite of becoming very open about her jail experience, she is still fearful of the

negative reactions of her neighbors. She stated:

“kahit hanggang ngayon nga pagdating ng alas siete ng gabi yung sa palengke bilis-bilis din ako mag-uwi kasi baka mamaya ba isipin nila san ito galing siguro ganito ganun yung parang nasa isip ko.. kahit na-acquit na ako kung baga..” (Lia)

This verbatim account showed the apprehensions of the participant on how she will be

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evaluated by those people around her. Being overly concerned on other people’s judgment

seemingly affects her behaviorally and this is very evident through the manifestation of her

anxiety.

Avoidance of Recidivism

The participants develop very pessimistic views towards being incarcerated even though

all of them admitted that they received good treatment while in jail. It was noticed that women

are afraid of getting back in jail. One of the participants stated:

“Kaya parang iniisip ko nakatatak lagi sa isip ko naku ayoko bumalik ulit sa ganyan. Ayoko ng ganyan kasi baka mamaya maframe-up ako o maano na namang mangyari sa akin.” (Lia)

This statement suggests that women put some effort to avoid recidivism. Avoidance is

manifested to these women by being aloof with other people, and keeping away from suspicious

places and situations. They are afraid to be involved with any kind of crime and be put in jail

once more. The participants realized their mistakes thus, resist the temptation. One of them

claimed that:

“Sa mga kaibigan ko, sa mga dati kong kagrupo kapag niyayaya ako, sinasabi ko sa kanila.. ayaw ko nang bumalik.. ayaw ko nang magkamali uli”(Neng)

In this statement it can be noticed that participant intentionally rejects the temptation because

they already made a choice. They choose not to repeat their crooked acts and decisions. Their jail

experiences help them recognize the essence of true friendship and of a real friend. Simple

acquaintanceship is given to their former peer group. Women participants prevent their former

peer group to get closer on them unlike before. According to Isay:

“Yung ano lang… yung tama lang… yung sakto lang.. Yung pagmakita ko “hi” lang ganyan pero mas maganda yung hindi ako nakikisubaybay..” (Isay)

This transcript shows that though the participant is still acquainted to her former peer group, the

evidence of self – control is present.

Development of Resilience

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of significant sources of stress

(APA, 2013). Here, the participants’ source of stress is their incarceration as well as its negative

effects such as discrimination, unemployment, fear, changes in social life, etc. Their way of 15

being resilient varies from each other. Here are the following steps of the participants in

developing their resilience:

Learning from Experiences

The resilience of women ex-offenders was developed when they start to recognize the

benefit of their situation thus, they learned from their experiences. They seem to regard

incarceration as a training ground for them to be able to face the outside world. Some of them

claimed that they have acquired wisdom that only the prison could give them. The participants’

learning made a change in their belief, attitude and lifestyle. It changed their beliefs, perception,

behaviors and other aspects of their lives.

“Kasi pinatatag ako ng kulungan eh. Walong taon ako dun. Hindi ko na naramdaman kung anu yung pwede nilang sabihin kasi pag nasa kulungan ka lahat ng klase ng ugali ng tao makakasalamuha mo. Kaya pag labas parang balewala na.” (Reena)

Based on the transcript, Reena’s incarceration made her a tough woman. In her eight (8) years of

imprisonment, she has already encountered different kinds of people. Because of this kind of

experience, she was able to be flexible, to adjust and to deal with different kinds of people.

During their incarceration, they learn to strengthen their faith. Some of the participants

said that they changed their religious belief thus, changing their religious affiliation. They

claimed that they learned the value of reading bible and relying on God. They also learned to join

and develop commitment to ministries and religious activities.

“Ang natutunan ko unang-una alam mo dyan ako nakakilala ng Panginoon Diyos sa loob eh. Nung nasa labas ako pag sabing bible study galit ako. Ayoko ng bible study..istorbo lang yan. Nung nakulong ako hinahanap-hanap ko yun. Yung pala yung kailangan. Kumapit ka sa Diyos para hindi ka nya iiwan.” (Ging)

This statement shows that Ging’s faith prior to her incarceration is almost nothing. She even

regarded bible study as a waste of time but then her incarceration made her realize how

important it is. She claimed that when she was in prison, she used to search for bible study which

she just disregards before.

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“Yun lang, marami akong natutunan sa loob na hindi ko natutunan dito sa labas. Yung naging malawak yung pananaw ko sa buhay.” (Reena)

According to Reena, she learned a lot of things during her incarceration which broadened her

perspective in life.

In addition to what they have learned is fear which usually has a negative implication on

individuals but in this study, some of the participants developed a kind of fear that has a positive

effect to them.

“Malaki yung nagbago sa akin, kung dati wala akong takot gumawa ng mga mali, kung baga taliwas talaga yung mga paniniwala ko dati. Parang namumuhay ako ng walang takot. So ngayon natutunan ko na ‘wag ganun.”(Neng)

This verbatim account disclosed that being fearless is not always a good thing. Sometimes, it can

make us immoral. Prior to her incarceration, she does not fear anything or anybody and this kind

of attitude made it easier for her to commit a crime. Incarceration per se taught Neng to have fear

in doing wrong. It seems that her experience inside the prison made her to be afraid of going

back to her old style of life.

Moreover, the value of respect is also learned by the participants inside the jail. Respect

can be defined as a positive feeling of esteem, regard and consideration for a person or entity

(Meenakshi, 2012)

“Yung respeto naman hindi naman hinihingi, tayo yung nagpapakita. Kahit walong taon ako sa loob, sa kulungan, kahit naman papano karapat dapat naman ako irespeto diba? Kahit sabihin mo na convicted ako o ano.” (Reena)

In this statement, participant is trying to point out that respect could be gained by anyone

whether convicted or not. A person who wants to be respected should behave as someone who is

worthy of it.

Lastly, another participant also learned to value her family’s opinion and advises. Reena

narrated that:

“Ok naman, ok naman ngayon kasi ahhh.. may paki alam na ako sa kung anong sinasabi nila,” [pertaining to her family]

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This transcript clearly shows that the participant recognized the value of family’s opinion.

Positive evaluation of the family’s presence took place and started to consider suggestions from

them.

Accepting their Accountabilities

Another factor which helps the participants to be resilient after their incarceration is their

acceptance of the consequences of their unlawful behavior. Lia narrated that:

“Kaya lang syempre lumabag ka..kailangan mo mag bayad.”

and she added:

“Diyos ko nabatid nyo na talagang nagbago na ako. Kung baga talaga talagang ano sabi ko talagang pinagbayaran ko na din siguro kung ano mang kasalanan meron yung asawa ko o ako..yun namang wag sanang maulit pa sa hindi ko na ginawa. Yun siguro ang hindi ko matanggap sabi kong ganun. Sige lang, ganun lang…”

The aforementioned statements clearly show that the participant accepted her misdeed and this

yields to the acceptance of its consequences. In the case of the women participants, acceptance of

the punishment is easier if the accusation is true. They acknowledge that in every offense there is

a corresponding punishment and the offender should accept its consequence and be responsible

for it.

In addition, participants also accepted the fact that they will receive negative reactions

and unfavorable treatments from people within their community upon their released. Thus,

instead of denying that they were convicted, they just voluntarily divulge it. Lia narrated that:

“Oo..ayoko naman yung okay-okay. Minsan pag may pupunta sa pwesto namin ako nagkukwento na ako galing jail..ganun..sinasabi ko yung totoo. At least kung tanggap mo ako,salamat. Kung hindi e di anong magagawa ko diba? Oh ganun.”

she further added that:

“Oo kasi hindi talaga ako nahihiya kasi ano pang gagawin ko eh talaga namang doon ako galing diba?”

Neng also shared that:

“Kasi ako na ito eh, bumalik na yung dating ako ayun. Kaya kahit ano man yung sabihin nila, hindi ako yung nagpapaapekto sa kanila.” (Neng)

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Lia and Neng are not ashamed of being an ex-offender simply because they accept themselves

regardless of how other people feels and thinks about them.

Lowering their Expectations

Furthermore, lowering their positive expectations is another contributing factor in the

development of resilience among the women ex- offenders. Expectations are someone’s

prospects and anticipation about the future. Too much of it leads to frustration. Entwined with

expectation is hope. Their expectations are negative in nature but these helped them to avoid

disappointments and frustrations. One of the participants said that she did not expect to regain

the trust of other people. Isay narrated that:

”Syempre rason yun eh.. galing kang kulungan walang magtitiwala sayo..”

another added that:

“Siguro tingin ko..normal namang pag-usapan kasi.” (Lia)

These statements explicitly show that the negative reaction of people within the community on

ex – offenders like them is just normal. Another participant did not expect for positive comments.

“Oo,,yung maglilihim ka tapos pag nakatalikod akala mo ok lang pag nakaharap tapos pag nakatalikod ‘ay ganito pala yan..ay naku ganito...’” (Lia)

In this transcript, the participant expected to receive negative feedbacks from people around her.

Although she does not directly hear it, it seems that she is already aware about the attitude of

other people towards ex-offender. On the other hand, another participant did not expect any help

from her family. Neng reported her thought:

“Inisip ko na parang tinalikuran na nila ako..na parang kinalimutan na nila ako.” (Neng)

This verbatim account shows the negative thought of the participant about the possible reaction

of her family. She expected to be forsaken and disowned by her family. Lastly, Isay did not

expect others will befriend her. She said that:

“Hindi naman. Natural lang naman siguro sa kanila yun kasi galing ka ng kulungan. Walang lalapit sayo diba?” (Isay)

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This narrative shows that Filipino women ex – offenders perceived it normal that people would

avoid them because they were jailed.

Looking at the Brighter Side

Another strategy that helps the participants to be resilient is by looking at the brighter

side of their experiences. This attitude made them feel fortunate despite of their misfortunes.

Instead of dwelling with their painful experiences, they just focus on the positive things which

happened to them after their incarceration.

Nung 4th year college sya (referring to her daughter), nag-exam siya ng civil service..sabi ko nga kung anong malas sa magulang siyang swerte sa anak diba? (Lia)

She also added:

Oo..kahit na sa pag may meeting yung anak ko yung gumaraduate na anak namin..ay yun papa mo? Nandun pa po sa jail. Yun mama mo? Kalalabas lang po..pero hindi po ako nahihiya dahil kahit ganun po eh napagtapos naman ho kami..kung baga sa Dean pa nila mismo sinabi. Yung parang na touch ako diba? (Lia)

This verbatim shows that the participant still feels fortunate despite of being incarcerated caused

by her daughter’s achievement. It seems that her incarceration for almost five (5) years was

already recompensed by such event. She also feels grateful for receiving respect and honor from

her. The fact that her children were not ashamed about her situation makes her feel relieved and

lucky.

Also, one of the participants focused on the love and trust that she regained from

significant people in her life.

Masaya ako..sobrang saya na may natira pa pala na tutulong sayo. Hindi ko inexpect na babalik yung pagmamahal at yung tiwala nila sa akin. (Neng)

Because of her incarceration, Neng expected that she will be forsaken by her family but she was

still helped, loved and trusted by them and this made her happy despite her situation.

Support System

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Support system is a great help to ex-prisoners in their transition process. It is mainly composed

of their family and/ or relatives and their religion or faith. With the strong support of these

systems, they will be able to cope with the challenges they will face after their incarceration.

Family / Relatives

The participants’ family members played a great role in their reintegration process. All of

them were accepted and supported by their families.

Kahit ano mangyari nandyan pa rin sila..ang pinakamagandang kaibigan talaga ang pamilya. (Ging)

This verbatim account shows that Ging regarded her family as dependable because of their

unconditional love and support.

Faith

Another source of the participants’ support is their faith in God which was strengthened

during their incarceration by religious groups and programs.

Step ng problema? Kasi malaki naman yung tiwala ko sa taas kasi Siya lang naman makakasabi kung makakalabas ka o hindi eh. (Isay)

It was evident that Isay seems to be calm when faced with problems knowing that she has a God

who knows everything. Thus, she trusts in God in difficult situations.

DISCUSSIONS

Being financially unstable caused these women’s incarceration. They claimed that the

welfare of their family motivates them to do unlawful acts. It corroborates with the findings of

previous study stating that women's most common pathway to crime is based on poverty (Bloom,

Barbara, Owen and Carington, 2008). According to Wright and Seymore (2009), parents are apt

to have been living in poverty before their incarceration and have been unable to provide basic

material sources. Bruce (2004) explain that chronic poverty for women and children led them to

engage in unlawful activities This shows that as a woman, survival of their family’s biological

needs is more important than their own moral and social obligation. For these ex-offender

mothers, they highly valued their family especially their children. Thus, they tend to rationalize

their unlawful acts by their motives of providing their family’s needs. As a result, those who

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committed crime for the sake of their families have a positive outlook in life as compared to

those who were just accused.

Furthermore, most of the women experienced social stigma after their release that affects

their self- esteem. This stigma made reintegration to society very difficult for them. According to

Obrien (2001) women exiting from jail usually experience stigma depending on the type of crime

committed. They have been labelled negatively as individual who is not worthy of trust because

they lacks credibility. As a result, it hinders them in finding a decent job because according to

Zapata (2011) criminal records of these women plays a major factor in consideration for

employment. Raphael’s (2008) study agreed with it by stating that incarceration affects

employment and earning of the ex-offenders. It is noticed that a lower expectation proceeds

lessen negative effect of social stigma.

Avoidance of recidivism is the main concern of these women ex-offenders and they

manifested it by keeping themselves apart from people who led them to be involved in crime.

The participants preferred to live a new life with their family who unconditionally love and care

for them. According to Bindel (2008), family members are usually the primary source of both

economic and emotional support of women ex-offenders and are also an important part of

helping ex-offenders avoid substance abuse and other issues that often led to their imprisonment

(MacDonald, 2009).

The analysis of our data revealed a pattern of how the participants were able to cope with

the challenges after their release in jail. They became resilient by means of learning from their

experiences, accepting their accountabilities, lowering their expectations, looking at the brighter

side and having initial steps which served as their stepping stone in reintegrating with the

society.

Subsequent to their release from jail is a need for them to reintegrate in the society.

However Georgia State Pardon and Parole (2000) admits that prison does not teach them how to

deal successfully with society. Often with very little preparation for what the outside world

expects of them (O’Driscoll, 2010).In contrast with this, our participants said that the prison

served as a training ground for them to face the society again. They claimed that their

experiences during their incarceration prepared them to deal with the challenges outside the

prison. Also Chavez (2000) stated that ex-offenders tend to have high expectations about the

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outside world as they count their days to release. But participants of study claim that the lowered

their expectations about the life after prison. Even before their release, they have already

anticipated that they will be discriminated and prejudiced by other people. In fact, some of the

participants expected that they will be forsaken by their families. This kind of expectations

somehow helped the participants to prevent frustrations. Also, this led them to be prepared for

whatever circumstance they may face - either positive or negative.

Support systems were indeed a great help to ex-offenders in their transition process

(Nsanze, 2007). According to William MacDonald (2009), prisoners who have supportive family

members tend to have an easier reintegration process. This was evident with our participants who

considered their families as the primary source of emotional, financial and moral help.

CONCLUSIONS

This research explored the lived experiences of Filipino women ex-offenders in the

context of Philippine culture. Western literatures overly provide topics about ex – offenders but

mostly focused on men and very little about women. Thus, this paper contributes on the

uncharted area of resilience of women ex – offenders. Also, in the development of women ex-

offender’s resilience, it was noticed that culture played significantly.

Data revealed that all participants became resilient after their incarceration. This implies

that Filipino woman’s ways of coping were effective. However, becoming resilient of these

women can also be attributed to their jail status whether they are convicted or detainee. In this

case, the reason for being resilient of the participants could be because they were just detainees

and not been convicted in the crime which they are accused of. The researcher acknowledges this

limitation which may affect the result of the findings of this paper.

Furthermore it is also observed that the Filipino women ex-offenders perceived

incarceration differently from other race. These women ex-offenders regarded their incarceration

positively for considering their jail experience as a training ground in facing many difficult

challenges in life. Moreover, participants tend to avoid recidivism through the help of their

family. Lastly, faith also played a major role in their coping and their low expectations helped

them in the reintegration process.

IMPLICATION FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

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This study recommends future researchers to explore the lived experiences of women ex-

convicts including their situations during incarceration because this study only involved women

ex-detainees and not ex-convicts. Also, future researchers may consider the participants' profile

such as educational background, age, crimes committed and length of incarceration which could

affect their development of resilience. Including the participant’s experiences while in jail can be

essential in describing their coping processes.

References

Flick, U., Kardorff, E. v., & Steinke, I. (2004). A Companion to Qualitative Research. London: Sage Publications Ltd.\

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