Lana Mendis on the mental health needs of women impacted by incarceration

By Lana Mendis (Leading with Conviction™ 2022 / Leadership Admin Coordinator for JLUSA):

Too often, the mental health needs of women impacted by incarceration are overlooked or inadequately addressed.

Research consistently shows that women entering the criminal legal system are far more likely than men to have experienced trauma, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of adversity. Yet, even as these underlying issues drive involvement with the system, access to appropriate mental health care remains limited.

Women entering the criminal legal system are far more likely than men to have experienced trauma …

Studies have found that women frequently do not receive the trauma-informed, gender-responsive mental health support they need while incarcerated – and even fewer resources are available pre- and post-release. This gap not only hinders healing but also increases the risk of recidivism and worsens long-term outcomes for women, families, and communities.

Addressing these disparities is critical. We must advocate for more comprehensive, trauma-informed, and continuous mental health care that supports women both during incarceration and throughout reentry.