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Hero to zero? Navigating and negotiating the harms of criminalisation as a ‘veteran offender’

Hero to zero? Navigating and negotiating the harms of criminalisation as a ‘veteran offender’ Thumbnail


Abstract

This article offers an original insight into the experiences of former military personnel navigating life after criminalisation in a time of austerity. Drawing on case studies of in-depth narrative and visual interview data with two 'veteran offenders', the article draws attention to a complex 'dance of disclosure' around military service and criminal records. The article demonstrates how the complexity of the pains of criminalisation can make (re-)finding a sense of purpose and self-worth difficult for former military personnel who must continually decide whether to disclose or obscure their military past, depending on the criminal punishment context. This critical analysis makes visible a potential continuum of state harm for those criminalised and managed as 'veteran offenders'.

Acceptance Date May 9, 2022
Publication Date May 9, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Probation Journal
Print ISSN 0264-5505
Publisher SAGE Publications
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/02645505221095069
Keywords veteran offenders, criminal records, social harm, stigma, resettlement, military to civilian transitions, identity
Publisher URL https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02645505221095069

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