In 1998 the National rate of women in prison was 13.3 per 100,000 women. Two thirds of the female prison population have children under 18 year of age. Many exercise and treatment programs available to men in prison are not offered in women's prisons. Moreover there are gender-specific social attitudes including emotional and psychological issues that perpetuate repeated incarceration. Prevention and Treatment Studies are showing that silence and isolation are factors in the rising numbers of Imprisoned women.
Women benefit greatly from personal connections.
Education and community connections are vital in preventing behavior leading to reoffending. Meaningful personal friendships are a key. Becoming absorbed in something outside the emotional turmoil inside can help prevent relapses, keeping women away from the criminal justice system. These activities can also point the way to a new job or focus, thus helping to forge a new and more rewarding life. If you find yourself suffering in isolation, or you know someone who is becoming unable to control her actions, take charge, find connections, call the hotline numbers, join clubs or groups, search in your community for links that may help you break the isolation and receive support from other women.