Denise's Story: Excerpts From Qualitative Interview
Denise is a 50 year-old, African American, Baptist female. As a child she was sexually assaulted and molested by a family member. Denise has been incarcerated twice and has a history of substance-related and addictive disorders. Incarcerated for possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS/Heroin).
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While incarcerated Denise's grandmother, father, and stepfather died. Her son-in-law was also murdered.
HDL: While you were incarcerated, how many loved ones passed away?
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Denise: Three. My grandmother, my father, and my stepdad.
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HDL: Where you able to go to their funerals?
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Denise: Not my grandmother. I felt some type of way, because my grandmother raised me. I didn't know that I needed to fill out certain paperwork during my court procedures and I didn't know that I was going to lose my grandmother while I was incarcerated. So, that was like, not even on my mind. But, they said she wasn't considered immediate family and I just don't understand that when that was my mother's mother.
HDL: Did you receive any additional counseling services?
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Denise: At the prison and at the halfway home. I only went to the one in prison, because they told me to. I didn't get much out of it. I just sat there.
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HDL: What about the halfway house?
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Denise: The staff member, she encouraged me. She told me if I wanted to come back (to group) when she had it again that I was welcomed. Like, it was better because I wanted to get better and I wanted to learn how to not use drugs if I lose somebody. You know, that is dear to me. Not to do the first thing to come to my head go get high, get a drink, cut yourself.
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