Criminal justice system for women accused of domestic violence crimes : A case study of inmates in Luzira women’s prison

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of criminal justice system for women accused of domestic violence crimes: a case study of inmates in Luzira women’s prison. The study objectives sought to investigate the prevalence of female as offenders of domestic violence crimes, explore experiences women undergo with criminal justice system when accused of assault resulting from domestic violence and examining the possible ways through which women accused of assault resulting from domestic violence can be helped legally. The study collected data from 30 female inmates and 2 key informants who included the prison custodian and social workers in the area. The study applied only qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The study found out that the prevalence of domestic violence among women as offenders was high as some women reported to be in custody as a result of domestic violence. Women were found to burn step sons with hot water. Reasons as to why women engage in domestic violence was that their husband deny responsibility of their homes, husband want to exercise too much authority over them, prostitution among husbands and poverty of the husband. Some women reported not to engage in domestic violence as it happened once and hence, they were arrested. Experiences women undergo in receiving justice were that women have never been taken to court for trial, women stay for so long on remand, there is no special attention at least for mothers incarcerated with children. The ways in which women can be helped legally was to always produce women offenders in court every scheduled court session to hear their cases and to be tried. The complainants should also be on alert such that when women are always compelled to court.