Understanding the Desistance Journey of Female Drug Offenders in Singapore Through Their Lived Experiences: The Impact of Family Relationships

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the lived experiences and perceptions of female drug offenders in a community programme, with an emphasis on the role of the family in their desistance. Female drug offenders (N = 11) undergoing a community sentence were tasked with capturing photographs representative of their recovery. Participants were interviewed on the meanings of these photographs, with symbolic themes subsequently elicited from these interviews. Findings illustrated that participants were more likely to rely on their families for support as compared to other factors. Implications of the findings in relation to desistance and social relationships are discussed.

Keywords:

• Desistance
• female offenders
• family relationships
• symbolic themes

Notes

1 Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA)—a social service agency specializing in reintegration support, casework and counselling services, primarily for drug offenders in Singapore

2 Case Management Service (CMS)- An aftercare programme which offers support, casework and counselling to ex-offenders and their families to help them re-integrate back into society