Lenses

Women & Girls

Women and girls are a fast-growing demographic in America’s prison and jail populations, with unique entry points into the system and unique needs. The situation is particularly concerning for women of color, immigrants, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) women, and people who are gender nonconforming, who face additional implicit and explicit biases.

Top Things to Know

  1. Pregnant women with substance use disorders continue to be criminalized and stigmatized.
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  2. #MeToo spurs national conversation on sexual- and gender-based harassment and assault.
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  3. The connection between gun violence and intimate partner violence gains recognition.
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  4. Child marriage remains legal in every state, putting children at risk of domestic and sexual violence and poverty.
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  5. The year sees an increased focus on women behind bars.
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  1. Youth of color continue to disproportionately bear the burdens of incarceration.
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  2. Reform efforts begin to incorporate the voices of impacted youth and families.
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  3. Girls’ issues come to the fore.
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  4. Oklahoma is “ground zero” for the rise of women in jails.
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Facts and Figures

On Our Radar

  • Marijuana legalization is pursued with racial justice as its aim.
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