This year, Prison Policy Initiative wrote a detailed report about 219,000 women incarcerated in the United States. The research breaks down women’s reason for incarceration, which correctional system women are in and if they have been convicted.
Interesting findings:
- Of the total incarcerated population, there are nearly double the amount of total inmates in state prison than in local jails. However, women are split evenly between the both state and local prison.
- 60% of women in jail have not been convicted of a crime and are still awaiting their trial.
- Women historically make less than men, which means they are more likely to have a difficult time affording bail. On average, women in jail make from $9,000 – $11,000 annually. Since bail is typically $10,000, affording bail is out of reach for most.
- About 10% of all convicted incarcerated people are held in jail while 25% of convicted women are held in jail.
- 80% of women in jail are mothers. Talking on the phone can be costly, about $1.50 per minute, and some jails don’t allow mail. Kids of incarcerated women can experience the domino effect of burdens.
- Women in jail are more likely to suffer from mental health problems or psychological stress than women in prison or men in either facility.
- Three out of four women under control of the correctional systems are on probation.
- 25% percent of incarcerated women are unconvicted.
To read more, check out this article.
