Now Think about That!

This is a qualititative study of 13 African American women on probation or parole for having committed crimes of aggression against self and others. As children they were physically, sexually, and emotionally abused and neglected by their caregivers. In fact, the most devastating discovery of this study was that mothers abandoned, physically beat, and sometimes tortured their children. For them love equaled abuse. As adults, love led them to alcohol and illegal drugs, prostitution, theft, and violent acts of criminal activity. Their narratives reflect the motives and meaning underlying their aggressive acts. The 13 African American women in this research are only a segment of a heterogeneous ethnic minority group who have fallen between the cracks of a caring and supportive society. They hope that their stories will not be used to degrade others. Rather, their desire is to help other young girls avoid the perilious journey of criminal life as a substitute for acceptance. Their silence has been broken and their truths have been spoken. There is something for all to learn in giving care and service to those in need.