For more than 200 years in the correctional history of America, women have contributed a small proportion of the incarceration population. Despite their lesser offenses and low numbers, incarcerated women receive inferior treatment when they are in correctional facilities. They experience class, gender, and race inequalities, which make them have traumatic encounters.
Federal and state policies prohibit sexual contact between inmates and correctional staff (Gould & Brent, 2020). However, such contact occurs, and it contributes to over half of the sexual harassment that is experienced by women. Correctional staff use their power to coerce women and intimidate them; hence, they are reluctant to report. Women also have limited access to healthcare services, which makes them develop major health problems. Research has shown that between six to ten percent of women enter prison when pregnant (Gould & Brent, 2020). However, pregnancy tests are not routinely done before women are put to join. This significantly contributes to the challenges pregnant women face because they are not given pre- and postnatal care. Meals are not adjusted for the sake of the pregnant women, nor do they receive preparation for birth. Therefore, they have a difficult time throughout their pregnancies, which makes some of them lose their children due to stress. Menstrual hygiene products are essential for women, yet there are institutions that fail to provide them. In prisons where there is a limited supply of these products, inmates are required to make purchases, which is a disadvantage for women who do not have prison commissary (Gould & Brent, 2020). Many incarcerated women are the primary caregivers for their families. Therefore, the separation from their children makes them experience emotional distress and strained relationships with their family members. This is exacerbated by limited visitations as they lack a chance to keep the bond with their families.
The challenges the women face when incarcerated can impact their access to resources and social support during their reentry process into society. There is a negative attitude toward women who have been in prison, and this makes them have limited support. As a result, the women struggle to reintegrate into society effectively because they do not have people to guide them through the process, especially after being in prison for years. Lack of support increases women’s vulnerability to substance abuse, homelessness, and unemployment (Griffin III & Woodward 2018). These are factors that contribute to the recidivism of such women. Women with a history of incarceration face discrimination and stigma in various aspects of life, such as social relationships and employment. This isolates them from supportive networks and opportunities that can ensure they have a swift reentry into society. Some of these women develop identity crises, which contribute to mental health issues. Employment barriers for formerly incarcerated women make them encounter financial instability. There are individuals in society who view these women as villains; hence, they fail to give them any kind of social support. Others believe that these women deserve the harsh treatment as a consequence of their actions (Griffin III & Woodward 2018). These notions lead to women having limited access to resources because they are not valued in society. This makes it challenging for them to meet their basic need and regain their stability.
Correctional institutions need to address the specific needs of women during incarceration as this ensures they are comfortable when in prison. The officials should ensure all women have access to comprehensive healthcare services. Special attention needs to be given to pregnant women, hence ensuring they carry their pregnancies to full term and have safe deliveries. Women should also have unlimited access to menstrual products because they need them monthly. It is also the responsibility of correctional staff to ensure that women who are substance users are counseled. There should also be a program that addresses the underlying issues that lead to women’s involvement in criminal activities. Gould and Brent (2020) state that visitations are considered a privilege; hence, there are no legal standards that guide visitations. However, it is essential for correctional officers to remember that continued contact between incarcerated women and their family preserves their relationships, which makes them have an easier reentry upon release (Gould & Brent, 2020). Therefore, correctional facilities need to set visitation policies that are favorable to the women and their families. They should also schedule visitation at the convenience of family and friends. Correctional facilities can also tailor and make gender-responsive programs that help address the unique needs of women. For example, they can take mothers through parenting classes where they learn how to reintegrate with their children.
Various strategies can be implemented to enhance reentry support and reduce recidivism among women. One of them is the development of transitional housing programs for former inmates (Miller, 2021). This is an essential strategy because it provides stable housing for women who are not able to go back to their homes. Therefore, such women are assured of safe housing as they reintegrate into the community. Correctional facilities should also expand access to education and training programs during incarceration and post-release. They can also partner with employers that are willing to hire reformed individuals. This will ensure that the women can earn an income after their release. The facilities can look for donors to support small businesses that former inmates create. Establishing peer support networks and mentorship programs is a crucial strategy to reduce women’s recidivism (Miller, 2021). Correctional facilities can like the women to individuals that have successfully reentered the society since they can offer guidance and support. As a result, it ensures women who have been recently released do not go back to their old ways of life that include involvement in crime.
In conclusion, it is essential for correctional facilities to address the challenges that affect incarcerated women to avoid riots in prison. The facilities need to prioritize the specific needs of women so that they have mental and physical health when they are incarcerated. Therefore, they should implement policies that ensure continuous visitation as it contributes to a smooth reentry to society after their release. The policies should also support women in gaining skills they can implement when they integrate into society.
References
Gould, L. & Brent, J. (2020). Routledge Handbook on American Prisons. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.
Griffin III, O. & Woodward, V. (2018). Routledge Handbook of Corrections in the United States. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.
Miller, H. (2021). Female reentry and gender-responsive programming. National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/female-reentry-and-gender-responsive-programming#:~:text=Collectively%2C%20these%20meta%2Danalyses%20suggest,of%20a%20crime%20who%20have
Owen, B., Well, J. & Pollock, J. (2017). In search of safety: Confronting inequality in women’s imprisonment. California:University of California Press.
write