Behavioral Health and Social Correlates of Reincarceration Among Hispanic, Native American, and White Rural Women

Abstract

Objective To identify community reentry needs, this study examined mental illness, substance dependence, and other correlates of reincarceration in an ethnically diverse, rural population of women prisoners. Methods A purposive, cross-sectional sample of 98 women in a New Mexico state prison completed structured interviews. Analyses examined associations of substance dependence, mental illness, lifetime trauma, and sociodemographic variables with previous incarceration. Results Eighty-five percent screened positive for substance dependence, 50% for current mental disorders, and 46% for both. Exposure to trauma was pervasive (100%), especially physical or sexual trauma (83%). In adjusted analyses, previous incarceration was associated with precarious housing before imprisonment (odds ratio [OR]=2.19, p=.038) and with having co-occurring mental illness and substance dependence (OR=2.68, p=.019). Conclusions Findings support those of similar studies in urban areas and with other ethnic groups. Wraparound programs focusing on harm reduction, housing, and treatment and support services are needed for successful reentry of these underserved women.

Intimate Partner Violence and Structural Violence in the Lives of Incarcerated Women: A Mixed-Method Study in Rural New Mexico

“…Such disparities lead to social and psychological suffering (e.g., poverty, mental illness, and substance use issues). In New Mexico and elsewhere, a history of patriarchy and its ongoing effects have been implicated in the systematic devaluation of, and violence against, women-especially women of color [23,27,32]. In previous studies, we showed that women leaving prison in this environment must rely on informal and insecure networks of family and friends-many of whom also struggle with substance abuse-for financial assistance, housing, and transportation.…”

“…Moreover, IPV continues to affect women's lives after reentry and is connected to their likelihood of recidivism [19,21]. Experiences of IPV are pervasive in the lives of incarcerated women returning to rural communities [22,23], largely due to the scarcity of supportive resources, employment opportunities, adequate and affordable housing, and the strong presence of traditional ideologies of power, patriarchy, and privacy that structure gender relationships and policing in rural states [24,25]. Studies also link racism, poverty, and patriarchy with the abuse and incarceration of women, particularly Native Americans [26][27][28].…”

Structural Inequality and Social Support for Women Prisoners Released to Rural Communities

“…Participants were 20–56 years old (median=34); 51.5% completed high school or the general educational development test; 89% were mothers; 33.3% derived their income from a job 6 months prior to incarceration; and 51.5% reported economic hardship during this period, i.e., not having sufficient income to meet basic needs. As described in in a separate publication (Willging, Malcoe, St. Cyr, Zywiak, & Lapham, 2013), 85% of inmates screened positive for substance dependence, 49% positive for a serious mental illness, and 45% positive for both. All had incurred trauma, often related to childhood sexual abuse or intimate partner violence; 47% had returned to prison for new crimes or parole violations largely related to struggles with alcohol or drugs.…”

An Intersectional Examination of Criminally Involved Women of Color with Mental Illness

“…Criminally involved women also face significant difficulty upon re-entry due to their economic marginalization, which is marked by limited access to resources, health care, and public assistance (Lilliot et al, 2017). The difficulty that these women encounter in trying to attain these important predictors of successful reentry increases their risk of recidivating (Willging, Malcoe, St. Cyr, Zywiak, & Lapham, 2013), overdosing on drugs, or committing suicide shortly following their release (Binswanger et al, 2007). Heindesohn (1985) suggested that criminologists must acknowledge the social control and marginalization of women in order to understand women and crime.…”