Gender-responsive approaches for women in the United States

Abstract

A large body of literature shows that there are dramatic differences between justice-involved men and women (Bloom and Covington 2008; Bloom et al. 2003, 2004; Browne et al. 1999; Chesney-Lind and Pasko 2004; Owen and Bloom 1995; Singer et al. 1995). The women are more likely to have co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues, to have chronic physical health issues, to be primary caretakers of minor children, and to be victims of intimate partner violence, as opposed to their male counterparts. Pregnant and postpartum women also require additional specialized treatment and care. Justice-involved women are also more likely than men to report extensive histories of trauma, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as children, adolescents, and adults (Langan and Pelissier 2001; ~essina et al. 2007; Pollock 2002).