Picture me different: women out of prison raising community awareness through photography and stories

Abstract

This research explored how women who are transitioning from prison into the community can raise community awareness thereby challenging stigmatic attributions that interfere with successful reintegration. Using the guiding principles of photovoice and action research, a group of five formerly incarcerated women created banners with the intention of dissemination leading to raising community awareness. Thematic analysis through the lenses of relational cultural theory, social capital, and feminist enquiry, rendered overarching themes of "Helping My Neighbour Understand" and "My Need for Connection". Effects of the experience on participants, counselling implications, and future directions for working with this cultural group are discussed.