Question: W​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍​hy do you think the rate of incarcerated women has steadily increased over the years?

Expert answer

The rate of incarcerated women has steadily increased over the years for a variety of reasons. One reason is that more women are being arrested for nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession or theft. Women are also more likely than men to be sentenced to prison for nonviolent offenses.

Another reason for the increase in incarcerated women is that they are more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. This can lead to them committing crimes out of self-defense or desperation. Additionally, women are more likely than men to suffer from mental health issues, which can lead to criminal activity.

Oregon's experience is not unique; in fact, it is fairly typical among the states. The causes of the increasing rate of incarcerated women are largely the same across the country. However, some states have implemented policies that have been shown to reduce the number of women in prison, such as expanding alternatives to incarceration and providing more support for women after they are released from prison.