Resolution on the Rise of Female Incarceration in the U.S.
Excerpt
We are concerned with the rising rate of incarcerated women in the United States.
We know that:
- In the last three decades, the U.S. has seen a 750% increase in the number of women who are incarcerated, growing from approximately 26,000 in 1980 to 219,000 in 2018 (twice the rate of growth of incarcerated men).
- Almost two-thirds of women who are incarcerated are women of color.
- Most women who are incarcerated are living in poverty.
- The majority of women who are incarcerated are survivors of violence: sexual (86%), intimate partner (77%), or caregiver (60%).
- Many women who are incarcerated suffer from behavioral health issues such as substance abuse (82%) and serious mental illness (32%).
- About 50% of women were abusing alcohol or drugs at the time of their crime.
- More than half (56%) of females who are incarcerated are imprisoned or awaiting trial for low-level offenses, such as drug or property crimes.