WHISPERED LONGINGS: UNVEILING THE SILENT STRUGGLES OF INCARCERATED MOTHER IN BAGANGA SUB-PROVINCIAL JAIL

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

The prison environment is unlikely to provide opportunities to foster mother-child relationships. This has given rise to various experiences and struggles that imprisoned individuals, especially mothers, endure over time. In line with this, the current study aimed to establish the experiences of persons deprived of liberty at the Baganga Sub-Provincial Jail, particularly mothers, based on their lived experiences as incarcerated mothers. The study commenced at Barangay Central, Baganga, Davao Oriental, where the Baganga Sub-Provincial Jail is located. This study utilized qualitative research as its method. A single case study design and in-depth interviews were employed for data gathering. Incarcerated mothers were selected through purposive sampling. The findings revealed key themes. Before incarceration, mothers maintained a strong parent-child bond, practiced supportive parenting, and found ways to support their children financially. During incarceration, they experienced regular visits but faced financial struggles, communication challenges, emotional pain, and difficulty continuing their maternal role from a distance. Coping mechanisms included seeking support from family and jail authorities. Despite physical limitations, incarcerated mothers perceived their relationships with their children as positive and resilient. Recommendations include improving programs that educate incarcerated mothers about their rights and support systems, encouraging family support from the beginning, and developing livelihood programs within correctional facilities to provide vocational training and employment opportunities.

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