This study aims to examine the lived experiences of women with criminal histories in relation to homelessness and the lack of familial and social support, and to analyze the effects of these deprivations on recidivism and the continuation of criminal behaviors after release from prison. The target population consists of women who have experienced at least one criminal conviction and imprisonment.

Data collection was conducted in multiple stages with the aim of achieving an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated women. In the initial stage, purposive sampling was carried out through visits to addiction treatment camps, charitable organizations, and support centers. In subsequent stages, snowball sampling was employed as a complementary strategy alongside theoretical sampling in order to enrich the data and identify participants with more diverse experiences. In total, 31 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who had a history of imprisonment.

Data analysis was carried out using Kathy Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory approach. The findings indicate that after release from prison, women with criminal histories encounter a combination of poverty, domestic violence, social isolation, and a lack of familial and institutional support, all of which intensify the likelihood of recidivism and hinder social reintegration. The results further suggest that empowerment programs, as well as educational and vocational interventions, can contribute to sustainable reintegration after release only when they are accompanied by continuous social and familial support