Abstract

While interest in the impact of imprisonment on families has been increasing, there is still limited knowledge regarding the social, cultural, and relational aspects of the experiences of families of convicted individuals in the Turkish context. This study examines the experiences of families affected by imprisonment in Ankara. Focusing particularly on the effects of a parent’s incarceration on the family, the research employs a qualitative design, with in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 17 spouses of convicted individuals. The findings reveal that families of convicted individuals face significant psychosocial and economic challenges, experience hardships throughout the incarceration process, and receive insufficient social support during this period. The study highlights that women, in particular, endure greater difficulties due to cultural pressures stemming from gender roles and social stigmatization. These challenges make it difficult for women to make sense of their experiences and to seek support. Additionally, the geographical location of prisons, often distant from city centers, coupled with stringent security measures, hinders families from maintaining communication and emotional bonds with their incarcerated relatives. This research fills a gap in the literature on the experiences of families of convicted individuals in Turkey, addressing their experiences from a human rights and social justice perspective.