Working with transgendered sex offenders: prison staff experiences
| Date | 10 August 2015 |
| Pages | 241-254 |
| Published date | 10 August 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-02-2015-0013 |
| Author | Katie Marlow,Belinda Winder,Helen Jane Elliott |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice |
Working with transgendered sex
offenders: prison staff experiences
Katie Marlow, Belinda Winder and Helen Jane Elliott
Katie Marlow is based at the
Department of Psychology,
Sexual Offences, Crime and
Misconduct Research Unit
(SOCAMRU), Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham, UK.
Dr Belinda Winder is Head of
Sexual Offences and Helen
Jane Elliott is a Research
Fellow, both at the Department
of Psychology, Sexual
Offences, Crime and
Misconduct Research Unit
(SOCAMRU), Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the experiences of staff working with
transgendered sex offenders in a prison setting.
Design/methodology/approach –The study utilised a qualitative approach, with semi-structured
interviews used to explore the experiences of staff working with transgendered sexualoffenders (n ¼6). Data
were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings –Three themes were identified in the data. The first relates to how staff become educated on
transgender issues and the content of this information. The second describes situations in which boundaries
are overstepped by both transgender offenders and others in the prison. The third relates to the ways
in which staff manage change, such as tailoring treatment to specific needs and being mindful of what
adaptations may be required.
Research limitations/implications –The main drawback of this research was the limited sample; female
prison staff. Future research should expand this sample to encompass male staff and staff working in
alternate category prisons.
Practical implications –The research illustrates the utility of staff collaboration with transgendered sex
offenders on transgender issues but also suggests some additional guidance is required when it comes to
determining the boundaries. Staff may also benefit from more education on the possible ways in which
a transgendered identity can impact on criminogenic needs.
Originality/value –The present research offers insight into the current state of care and management of
transgendered offenders in custody and the nature of interactions between staff and this minority group.
At present, there is limited research in this area.
Keywords Qualitative, Prison, Transgender, Thematic analysis, Sex offenders, Staff experiences
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Within the UK, the term “transgender”is used to describe a range of individuals who cross
gender boundaries (Department of Health, 2007), from those who experience some form of
gender variance, to those that experience ongoing identification with the opposite gender,
leading to strong and persistent feelings of discomfort with the gender role they were assigned at
birth (Department of Health (DoH), 2008). The latter is termed transsexual, or more recently,
gender dysphoria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; DoH, 2008). Often these individuals
seek medical support to resolve the feelings they experience, with some wishing to complete
gender reassignment to change their physical appearance and sexual characteristics. Gender
reassignment is the change of social gender roles, whether through hormonal treatment or
surgery (although not all that change their role will elect these treatments; Eyler, 2007). In the UK,
estimates vary; with some suggesting up to 500,000 individuals experience some for of gender
variance (Trans Media Watch, 2011).
Received 3 February 2015
Revised 5 March 2015
Accepted 5 March 2015
The authors would like to
acknowledge the help, support
and guidance of HMP Whatton,
and in particular, Clinical Lead of
SOTP’s Kerensa Hocken, Principal
Psychologist Karen Thorne and the
Governor Lynn Saunders. Thanks
are given to all participants in the
study who were willing to give their
time and share their experiences to
help with this research.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-02-2015-0013 VOL. 17 NO. 3 2015, pp. 241-254, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
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JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
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