misunderstood
The majority of girls in prison have had to face emotional, physical, and or sexual abuse; two thirds of which are girls of color.
Compared to boys, the incarcerated girls experience childhood victimization at much higher rates.
Many of the girls that come into Juvenile Hall have serious mental issues; incarceration only adds to their trauma.
Some girls are even placed in programs that are made for boys but no one even makes sure that it suits the girls' needs. Gender specific programs are necessary to change the lives of these girls and reduce repeated relapse.
Compared to boys, the incarcerated girls experience childhood victimization at much higher rates.
Many of the girls that come into Juvenile Hall have serious mental issues; incarceration only adds to their trauma.
Some girls are even placed in programs that are made for boys but no one even makes sure that it suits the girls' needs. Gender specific programs are necessary to change the lives of these girls and reduce repeated relapse.
abuse
Abuse is commonplace
In most cases girls are abused by someone close to them- some one they trusted a lot.
Sexually abused girls suffer form low self esteem, inability to trust, academic failure, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy. Girls who have been abused or neglected are twice as likely to be arrested than other girls.
Many have physical and mental health problems
Another study of incarcerated girls in Colorado revealed that
- 92% of girls in jail have experienced physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse
- Nationwide, 73% of girls have been abused according the the U.S. Department of Justice
- Over 45% have been beaten or burned
- 40% have been raped
In most cases girls are abused by someone close to them- some one they trusted a lot.
Sexually abused girls suffer form low self esteem, inability to trust, academic failure, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy. Girls who have been abused or neglected are twice as likely to be arrested than other girls.
Many have physical and mental health problems
- 32% have or have had STDs
- 32% have chronic health problems
- 60-87% need substance abuse treatment
- 50% report drug use by a parent
- 50% are more likely to suffer PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) than incarcerated boys
Another study of incarcerated girls in Colorado revealed that
- 100% had PTSD
- 80% required substance abuse treatment
- 67% had psychiatric disorders
- 50% had eating disorders
- 47% had attempted suicide or self-mutilation
- Depression, body image disorder, and thoughts of suicide all increase the risk of incarceration
- girls tend to be person offenders; boys tend to be property offenders
- Girls are mostly arrested for non-violent crimes such as running away, truancy, curfew and probation violations, disorderly conduct or prostitution
- These teens also tend to be sexually active, increasing the risk of STD's and unplanned pregnancy.