Gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are pervasive issues that disproportionately affect women, and their impact often extends far beyond the immediate harm inflicted.
For incarcerated women, these experiences can deeply influence their health and access to care. In the United States, where women represent the fastest-growing segment of the prison population, the intersection of GBV, IPV, and incarceration presents a critical yet largely overlooked public health crisis.
The Hidden Epidemic Behind Bars
More than 200,000 women are incarcerated in the United States, and research shows that the vast majority have experienced some form of GBV or IPV prior to their incarceration. According to a 2016 study by the Vera Institute of Justice, 86% of incarcerated women have endured sexual violence, physical violence, or both at some point in their lives. Many of these women enter the criminal justice system as a direct result of these experiences, often criminalized for acts of survival, such as defending themselves against abusive partners or engaging in sex work to escape violence and poverty.
Once incarcerated, these women face a healthcare system that is ill-equipped to address the complex trauma associated with GBV and IPV. The physical and psychological wounds they carry are compounded by the systemic inadequacies of prison healthcare, creating a cycle of unmet needs and worsening health outcomes.
The Impact on Physical and Mental Health
Women who have endured GBV and IPV often suffer from long-term health consequences, including chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health issues, and traumatic brain injuries. Mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are also common, yet correctional facilities frequently lack the resources or training to provide adequate care.
For incarcerated women, these health issues are often ignored or mismanaged. Prisons and jails are notorious for their substandard medical care, with limited access to gynecological services, mental health support, and trauma-informed care. Pregnant women, many of whom are survivors of IPV, face additional risks, as inadequate prenatal care in prisons can lead to complications for both mother and child.
Barriers to Healthcare Access
Systemic barriers exacerbate the healthcare crisis for women in prisons and jails. Overcrowding, understaffing, and lack of training among medical personnel make it nearly impossible to provide the specialized care that survivors of GBV and IPV require. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding incarcerated individuals often leads to their health concerns being dismissed or minimized. Survivors of GBV and IPV, in particular, may be reluctant to seek care due to fear of judgment, retaliation, or further victimization within the prison environment.
The intersection of GBV and IPV with incarceration also creates unique challenges in addressing reproductive healthcare. Many incarcerated women have limited or no access to contraception, abortion services, or treatment for sexually transmitted infections. For survivors of sexual violence, this lack of care can exacerbate physical health problems and contribute to ongoing trauma.
Toward a Trauma-Informed Approach
Addressing the impact of GBV and IPV on healthcare in women’s prisons and jails requires a shift toward trauma-informed care. This approach recognizes the widespread prevalence of trauma among incarcerated women and seeks to create an environment of safety, trust, and healing. Key components of trauma-informed care include:
Comprehensive Training: Correctional staff and healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma, with a focus on GBV and IPV.
Improved Access to Services: Prisons must provide access to gynecological care, mental health services, and specialized support for survivors of GBV and IPV, including counseling and support groups.
Policy Reform: Ending practices such as shackling pregnant women, strip searches, and solitary confinement for survivors of trauma is essential to creating a more humane and effective system.
The Need for Broader Advocacy
The healthcare crisis facing women in prisons and jails cannot be separated from broader societal issues of gender inequality and systemic violence. Advocacy efforts must address the root causes of GBV and IPV, as well as the criminalization of survival behaviors. Policies that focus on alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs and community-based support services, can help reduce the number of women entering the prison system in the first place.
Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence leave indelible marks on survivors, and for incarcerated women, these scars are often compounded by a lack of access to adequate healthcare. It is imperative that we address this crisis with urgency and compassion, ensuring that all women—regardless of their circumstances—have the opportunity to heal and rebuild their lives. By investing in trauma-informed care and systemic reform, we can begin to break the cycle of violence, incarceration, and poor health outcomes that disproportionately affects some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
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