Women In Prison

There are many similarities between male and female inmates. Of these, the most common similarities are the risk of rape, violence, and contracting HIV and AIDS, other forms of abuse. Another similarity is the larger number of female minorities incarcerated than non-minority female inmates. A further similarity is the preferential treatment that seems to apply to upper-class, celebrity female inmates compared to lower-class, non-celebrity female inmates. Despite these similarities, there are a number of unique issues and challenges faced by female inmates and the corrections officers and penal system that maintains them. This analysis will discuss the history of female incarceration, new laws responsible for increasing numbers of female inmates, and the special needs of female inmates and how these needs currently impact the penal system and will impact it in future.

Historically, criminal law and sentencing in the American justice system favored alternatives to prison for female offenders, primarily because of the additional burden of childcare. However, during the past three decades what have been known as the sentencing reform acts have been passed into law. These laws tend to remain blind to whether or not an offender is female or male in terms of sentencing. Because of this, there has been an increase in the number of female inmates, thereby creating an additional social burden due to orphaned children. As Crawford (p. 8) re

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nseling. As Crawford (p. 8) explains, "The atmosphere of lockup and danger to inmates when sharing intimate problems mitigates against a rehabilitative atmosphere. Yet, 70 percent to 80 percent of inmates have a need for drug and alcohol treatment and education." Women often face many of the same risks to health and safety in prison as men, including physical violence and sexual abuse. Rape is a common element of incarceration for many female inmates. The problem is at epidemic proportions, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ). Recently, the DoJ initiated a matching grant program to help protect female inmates in adult and juvenile facilities from prison rape, (Protecting, p. 6). The program offers $20 million for 30 grants of up to $1 million each, for states to develop programs to protect female inmates from rape, (Protecting, p. 6). A similar grant program exists for male inmates. The programs are aimed at providing support in terms of victim services, treatment, and increased prevention measures. The mental health needs of female inmates typically go unmet as well. Similar to male inmates, the mental health and medical needs of females are typically neglected. After two women committed suicide in prison in

Category: Government - W