To the Editor:
Though they are often overlooked, women have been hard hit by the United States’ incarceration boom.
There are now more than 200,000 women behind bars in this country, and their numbers continue to rise.
Nearly two-thirds of women in state prisons are there for nonviolent offenses; most are mothers. Their children
face the emotional and developmental effects of separation, and the public incurs additional costs related to the child welfare system.
Most women in prison report histories of substance abuse, mental health issues and past trauma — factors
that contribute to the crimes they commit. Prison does little to address these issues or to decrease the likelihood of recidivism.
We should increase our investment in community-based alternatives to incarceration programs. These programs
provide treatment and support services under court supervision.
The United States cannot afford to remain the world’s most ardent incarcerator. The cost to incarcerated
individuals, their families and whole communities is far too high, while the rate of return on our investment in prisons is too low.
Sarah B. From
Dir., Public Policy and Communications
Women’s Prison Association
New York, April
24, 2008
