ABSTRACT
Prison research is challenging. The population under investigation is vulnerable, particularly when they are women who come to prison with histories of trauma and a range of complex needs, one of which is cognitive disability. Mental health, substance misuse, separation from children and communities, homelessness, experiences of family violence, and multiple custodial episodes, contribute to historic and ongoing social exclusion. The way in which the research agenda is framed is therefore of the utmost importance. While it is essential to enter the prison with a clear idea of the direction in which interviews should ideally go, it is crucial to accept that neatly planned schedules may be of limited value when interacting with women who are not highly articulate, whose behaviour is pharmacologically controlled, who are suspicious of strangers, and who may not want to talk about certain topics. The ability for rapid adaptation, to provide reassurance, and to allow the conversation to evolve naturally, is pivotal when conducting research such as this. Importantly, the research design and the methods used should provide a ‘road map’ to others embarking on similar projects.
