The Men’s Stories

Abstract

Study respondents are introduced in this chapter. The research project’s methodology and the 11 respondents’ demographic information are summarized. The study sample included men living in the community for at least 3 years after an incarceration for violent behavior. Despite the commonalities of gender, criminal behavior, substance abuse, incarceration, and utilization of treatment, this group was diverse in terms of race, religion, years of incarceration, types of violent offenses, years in the community, education, and employment. The 11 sections of the chapter are devoted to each respondent’s story. Information respondents shared about their families, early childhood, traumatic events, descent into crime, and encounters with the criminal justice system is presented. An overview of their turning points, beginning attempts at treatment, and desistance pathways is described.