Abigail Shaw is a postgraduate researcher in Criminology at Birmingham City University.
Drawing upon personal experiences within the prison system as a teen, Abigail’s research investigates desistance journeys of black women in the criminal justice system.
‘Desistance’ is defined by the act of stopping something, especially stopping committing crimes.
Here, Abigail gives us an insight into this area of research.
What does the research do?
“My research shines a light on a largely underrepresented group in criminological and sociological studies: Black African, Caribbean, and dual heritage women with offending histories. By exploring their desistance journeys the process through which individuals cease offending this study does more than document change. It challenges dominant narratives, introduces new conceptual thinking, and contributes practical insights for policy and support services.
Utilising a triangulated methodological approach, the research draws upon Black feminist intersectionality and life course narratives. This framework is essential to unpack how race, gender, class, and community dynamics intersect to shape both the experiences of offending and the journey toward desistance. These lived realities cannot be adequately captured through singular or mainstream criminological lenses. Instead, by using authentic counternarratives, this study reclaims space for Black women’s voices in a system that has historically silenced or misrepresented them.
Working with local communities
The data gathered from participants in Birmingham women of Black African, Caribbean, and mixed heritage backgrounds revealed a consistent theme: autonomy plays a central role in achieving and sustaining desistance. However, autonomy alone is not sufficient. The choice to change is deeply influenced by maturity and significant life events, such as becoming a caregiver, securing stable employment, receiving long-term accommodation, or accessing support from culturally competent non-governmental organizations. These life changes act as pivotal turning points that help women distance themselves from previous lifestyles.
Support from secure social networks family, friends, and community allies emerged as another vital factor. This research also identifies the often-overlooked impact of intra-community labelling: the stigma and judgment from within one’s own ethnic or cultural group. This internalised stigma adds a layer of marginalisation and can hinder reintegration efforts. By conceptualising intra-community labelling as a distinct phenomenon within Black British criminology, this research introduces a novel lens through which to examine stigma and its effects on desistance.
Crucially, the findings point to the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and intersectional tailored support. Black women face unique and complex challenges rooted in structural inequality, racism, and gendered expectations. A one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation simply does not work. For these women, desistance is not a linear journey; it is an ongoing process of negotiating identity, community belonging, and survival within hostile systems.
Impacting policy and practice
The insights from this study have direct implications for policy and practice. First, service provision must be culturally astute, grounded in an understanding of the specific barriers Black women face. Second, policy must move beyond punitive or generic rehabilitative strategies and instead focus on empowering women through long-term, trust-based support. Third, the criminal justice system must reckon with the internal and external labels it places on Black women and adopt strategies that allow for narrative repair and reintegration.
Ultimately, this research reframes how desistance is understood in the context of Black women’s lives. It not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also builds a foundation for more inclusive and effective criminal justice policies. By challenging the status quo and centring intersectionality, it sets a precedent for future research and practice that genuinely supports women on their path to sustainable change.”
