The United States currently incarcerates approximately 172,700 women, making up about 10 percent of the total incarcerated population. Over the years, women’s incarceration rates have been increasing at a faster pace than men’s, with a significant portion held in local jails rather than state prisons. The high number of women in jails that are not convicted and are awaiting trial can be attributed to several factors. One key reason is the bail system, where many women find themselves unable to afford the steep bail amounts set by the court, disproportionately affecting those with limited financial resources. This leaves them confined behind bars while awaiting trial, often for nonviolent offenses. Also, misconceptions about flight risk and care giving responsibilities may also play a role in determining bail, leading to a higher number of women being detained pretrial.
Women’s incarceration is influenced by various factors, including offense types, criminal histories, and socioeconomic status. While drug and property offenses are common, violent offenses also contribute significantly to the number of incarcerated women. The report highlights the need to consider all offenses and address the disparities related to LGBTQ status, race, and ethnicity in criminal justice reform efforts.
The conditions in prisons are particularly challenging for female residents, as they experience higher mortality rates, a greater prevalence of mental health problems, and inadequate healthcare. The lack of access to communication and family support further exacerbates their plight, especially considering that 80% of incarcerated women are mothers. Important and relevant to mention; Juvenile facilities also hold a concerning number of girls, with status offenses, accounting for a disproportionately high percentage. Girls of color and those identifying as LGBTQ are over-represented in the juvenile justice system.
Within state and federal prisons, women serve longer sentences and are often located far from their families, leading to additional challenges in maintaining connections and support systems. Incarcerated women report childhood disadvantages, lower educational attainment, and more health-related issues than men. They are also more likely to be parents of children under the age of 18, adding further complexities to their incarceration experience.
To reduce women’s incarceration, it is essential to focus on reforms addressing the underlying causes of their criminal behavior and the disparities they face. Probation, which affects a significant number of women, can be an inadequate alternative to incarceration, often leading to technical violations that result in more jail time. The reentry process for women is fraught with barriers, including limited post-release programs and difficulties finding employment due to criminal records.
Ultimately, addressing women’s experiences with incarceration requires studied data and comprehensive policy changes that consider the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. Efforts must also address the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality in the criminal justice system to ensure that all women are not left behind in the fight to end mass incarceration.
