Women Behind Bars: Lived experiences of female persons deprived of liberty during pandemic
Liza Joy B. Barican, Nicholas S. Caballero & Jelyn T. Bitar
Abstract
The pandemic significantly impacted all aspects of human life, including the experiences of female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in correctional institutions. Understanding their lived experiences is crucial in developing programs that promote holistic reformation and help them reintegrate as law-abiding citizens upon returning to their communities. This study explored the experiences of female PDLs during the pandemic, focusing on the problems they encountered inside the rehabilitation facility and their coping mechanisms. A qualitative research method was employed, involving eight female PDLs from the Metro Bacolod District Jail–Female Dormitory. Colaizzi’s method of data analysis was used to interpret the findings, resulting in six emergent themes: resiliency and resourcefulness behind challenges, realizations over difficulties, behavioral adjustments as a key to survival, positive reinforcement for change and growth, well-balanced physical and mental health, and faith and optimism. The problems encountered mainly related to basic human needs, prompting the development of behaviors such as resilience, patience, and optimism to adapt and survive within the facility. The study also found that the informants experienced growth in their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being despite the challenges. It is recommended that jail administrators continue implementing restorative programs and enhance their consideration of the basic human needs of female PDLs to ensure the continued effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
Keywords
adjustments, challenges, coping mechanisms, human needs, female inmates
Author information & Contribution
Liza Joy B. Barican. Corresponding author. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology. Faculty Member, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: lizajoybarican@gmail.com
Nicholas S. Caballero. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology. Faculty Member, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: nicholas.caballero@wnu.sti.edu.ph
Jelyn T. Bitar. Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Alumni, College of Criminal Justice Education, STI West Negros University. Email: jelyn.bitar@wnu.sti.edu.ph
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding but the APC was paid by STI West Negros University.
Declaration
The authors acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of this manuscript. Specifically, Grammarly was used for grammar checking and language refinement, while ChatGPT was employed to assist in summarizing key points, organizing thematic conclusions, paraphrasing ideas, and drafting sections of the manuscript, including the literature review, methodology, and conclusion. All AI-assisted content was thoroughly reviewed, verified, and edited by the author to ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency with the study’s objectives. The authors assume full responsibility for the final content of the manuscript.
Notes
This paper is presented in the 6th ICMIAR 2025.
Acknowledgement
The researchers extend their gratitude to STI West Negros University for providing the financial assistance that supported the presentation of this study and to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as well as the female inmates at the Metro Bacolod District Jail-Female Dormitory, for their cooperation and participation in this research.
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Cite this article:
Barican, L.J.B., Caballero, N.S. & Bitar, J.T. (2025). Women Behind Bars: Lived experiences of female persons deprived of liberty during pandemic. The Research Probe, 5(2), 37-55. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.193
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