Treatment of the Sexually/Physically Abused Female Inmate

Abstract A treatment model for female inmates who had been physically or sexually abused was described, implemented and evaluated. The hypotheses that during the 16-week program inmates would show: (a) increased self-esteem; (b) increased perceived control over their lives; (c) increased trust in others; and (d) reduced alienation from others were tested by comparing measures of these attitudes prior to and every 4 weeks during the 16-week treatment program. Results from the 15 inmates who completed the program were analyzed by an ANOVA for repeated measures and indicated (a) increased self-esteem (p < .001); (b) increased trust in others (p < .05); (c) reduced alienation (p < .01) and (d) a marginally significant increase in perceived control (p < .07). Applications and limitations of the program were discussed