Transcript Women in Prison

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Dramatic increases in women in prison
between 1986 and 2002
More
and
crimes, rather than
violence
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Women may have more
to
commit crimes
Shorter maximum sentences than men
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Characteristics of women in prison
◦ More likely to have been abused
◦ Younger, single, and economically
disadvantaged
◦ More likely to be mothers
◦ Slightly older than male prisoners
◦ Weaker criminal histories
◦ Likely unemployed
◦ Custodial parents pre-incarceration
Generally they present little risk to the
general public
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likely to recidivate when
compared to men
 Generally have
for intensive
programming
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◦ Such as drug treatment
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likely to have experience sexual
abuse as a child and/or as an adult.
Lower threat of violence
 More laughter and more tears
 Many appreciate when programs are
offered
 Groups
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Homosexuality tends to be consensual
 Gender-specific programming
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Higher rates of guard  inmate sexual
activity and abuse
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 Estimates
say 60 – 85% of
incarcerated women are mothers
of children under 18
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 Estimates
say 60 – 85% of
incarcerated women are mothers
of children under 18
◦ More than half never receive visits
while in prison
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6 – 10% are pregnant in jail/prison
◦ 77% exposed their fetuses to drugs
◦ Higher than average rates of miscarriage
◦ Shackling during birth
◦ Immediate separation from the newborns
◦ Fail to receive much in the way of prenatal
care
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What is needed?
◦ Parenting programs addressing children’s
needs
◦ Counseling or support groups for children
◦ Frequent contact with mom during
incarceration supports future reunification
with children
◦ Social support
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