ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the various types of art program that have been found to be useful with offenders and victims and discusses the research that is most pertinent to working with violent offenders and victims of violence, and the importance of including art in gender-responsive programs. Art programs in correctional facilities encourage participants to explore and express their creativity and take offenders down a path that can lead to a new sense of self, and these programs continue to gain support throughout the country. H. Smeijsters and colleagues conducted a comprehensive two-year study of art, music, dance, and drama therapy programs in six secure institutions for young offenders in the Netherlands. The use of diverse art forms has been found to be useful for healing victims of trauma, especially female victims. If victims are allowed to use the words of others, they can share their pain and experiences through a created character.
