Question

Determine why studies indicate there is a higher level of mental illness in female offenders, including what factors are most significant in the higher rates of mental illness.

Answer 1

The studies indicate a prevalence of higher rates mental illness in female offenders than the male offenders. Compared to the number of male offenders number of female offenders are less proportionately, but the rate mental illness is higher, this calls for the immediate attention for the remedy and treatment, and to provide them with better facilities that are according to their physical and psychological needs, Out of every five incarcerated women one woman is suffering from a mental disorder in U.S.A. The major mental illness are PTSD, anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, severe substance abuse and.low self esteem are found to the most prevalent among them. The factors that contribute significantly in the higher rates of mental illness are:

• Higher rates of women incarceration in the past few years.
• Most of the incarcerated women belong to marginalized groups of the society.
• Most of them have suffered some form of trauma and are victimized.
• Most of them have some form of mental illness prior to their incarceration.