The Silent Effects of Trauma on Incarcerated Women
Another unique way incarcerated women remain "invisible" victims of systemic failure is when we incarnate them as opposed to identifying those who need trauma treatment. Their stories reveal a more profound truth: no help or support, only punishment. The intersection of mental health challenges and this system is a silent crisis, particularly for women, who are disproportionately affected by trauma and its aftermath.
Over 60% of women in U.S. prisons have a history of mental illness, a rate significantly higher than their male counterparts. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common. Many women enter prison carrying the weight of untreated mental health struggles compounded by disturbing and disruptive life experiences. A significant number of incarcerated women have endured severe trauma before their incarceration. This history of trauma often leads to survival strategies—such as substance use or involvement in illegal activities. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reality we have to deal with. For many, incarceration is not a reflection of their character but a consequence of a social system that has failed to provide resources and support throughout their life of trauma or abuse.
Studies show that nearly 90% of incarcerated women have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Over 50% report being victims of sexual abuse, often during childhood or adolescence.
Once a woman is incarcerated, the barriers to help or conditions she will face are numerous and often insurmountable. Upon identifying a woman dealing with these circumstances while in prison, the prisons lack adequate resources for mental health treatment. The fear of being stigmatized as mentally ill is also a roadblock toward seeking the necessary help, especially in a punitive environment of the penal system. It can leave the woman feeling both discouraged and vulnerable. And finally, with the staffing difficulties found throughout the penal system, the correctional staff are rarely equipped to handle this additional burden. This lack of responsiveness can lead to exacerbated trauma. Looking for help under dire circumstances can lead to consequences like solitary confinement. In one particularly harrowing study, it was found that women with PTSD are more likely to experience retraumatization in prison, whether through strip searches, lack of privacy, or institutional violence.
Failing to address mental health in prisons perpetuates the cycle of trauma and recidivism. When women leave prison with untreated and now possible new mental health issues, it makes it harder for them to reintegrate into society, find stability, or rebuild their lives. The unfriendly circumstances they face when out is a continuation of living on the hampster wheel. Reforming this system isn’t just compassionate—it’s necessary. Evidence-based interventions, such as trauma-informed care and restorative justice programs, have been shown to reduce recidivism and improve the outcomes for women and their families.
Resources to Learn More
The Sentencing Project: Women in the Criminal Justice System
National Institute of Corrections: Gender-Responsive Strategies
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Trauma-Informed Approaches
Every statistic represents a real woman with a real story. By understanding the link between mental health, trauma, and incarceration, we can work toward a system that prioritizes healing over punishment. Let’s work toward when a woman cries for help; it isn’t answered with a prison sentence.