Criminal career-related factors among female robbers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and a presumed 'revolving-door' situation.
BACKGROUND
Risk-taking behaviors, family criminality, poverty, and poor parenting have been frequently associated with an earlier onset of criminal activities and a longer criminal career among male convicts.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to identify factors related to the onset and recurrence of criminal behavior among female robbers in the State of São Paulo - Brazil.


METHODS
It was a cross-sectional study carried out inside a feminine penitentiary in São Paulo. From June 2006 to June 2010, 175 inmates convicted only for robbery were recruited to be evaluated about family antecedents of criminal conviction, alcohol and drug misuse, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial features. RESULTS Having family antecedents of criminal conviction consistently predicted an earlier onset of criminal activities and a longer criminal career among female robbers. Drug use in youth and the severity of drug misuse were significantly related to the initiation and recurrence of criminal behavior, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Prisons must systematically screen detainees and provide treatments for those with health problems in general. Children of inmates should obtain help to modify the negative consequences of their parents' incarceration in order to mitigate the negative consequences of pursuing this 'static' factor.
Ambulatory for the Treatment of Sexual Disorders, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
Fernando Henrique Nadalini
FH
Mauá
Danilo Antonio
DA
Baltieri
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population