Journal of International Women's Studies
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 128-150

Risk factors for homelessness and sex trade among incarcerated women: A structural equation model (Article)

Kim S.* , Johnson T.P. , Goswami S. , Puisis M.
  • a University of Illinois, School of Public Health, 1603 W. Taylor Street, 752 Chicago, IL 60612, United States
  • b Survey Research Laboratory and Public Administration, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
  • c Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, United States
  • d Cermak Health Services, Cook County Bureau of Health Services, United States

Abstract

Incarcerated women are among the most vulnerable and perhaps the least studied populations in the US. Significant proportions of female inmates are substance users, and many living in unstable housing conditions or being homeless. Female inmates are often at high risk of engaging in sex exchange for drugs or housing needs. While a disproportionate number of incarcerated women have experienced childhood household adversities and maltreatments, the effects of these childhood experiences on psychosocial and behavioral outcomes of this population in later life. We apply a life course perspective to examine these pathways in a sample of incarcerated women in Cook County, Illinois. Findings demonstrated lasting, but differential, effects of household adversities and childhood abuse on subsequent life risks and opportunities among these women.

Author Keywords

Sex-trade Homelessness Structural equation model

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79951735077&partnerID=40&md5=d2ac3ad29820ac37ee284d6dd9c139e5
ISSN: 15398706
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English