Ohio imprisons women at higher rate than U.S. average

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohio incarcerates women at a rate higher than the national average, and far higher than most other countries, according to a new report.

Researchers at the Prison Policy Initiative say the trend is tied to poverty-related offenses and gaps in support services. The report says nationally, the number of people in jails and prisons has declined in the past decade – but women aren't seeing that progress. Ohio imprisons 118 women per 100,000 residents, compared with the U.S. average of 112.

Wanda Bertram, a communications strategist for the Prison Policy Initiative, said many of these charges stem from survival and poverty.

"Offenses that are associated with homelessness, right? Like sleeping on the street, panhandling, trespassing," she said. "Offenses that are correlated with poverty, like petty theft, drug offenses."

The report adds that Ohio’s overall incarceration rate of 621 people per 100,000 residents is higher than the U.S. average, and also higher than almost every other democracy in the world. More than 71,000 Ohioans are currently behind bars.

Researchers say most criminal justice reforms have centered on men, leaving women with fewer diversion or rehabilitation options. In Ohio, incarcerated women are disproportionately mothers, who often report past abuse, health challenges or homelessness.

Bertram said investing in prevention would yield better outcomes.

"You can invest in health care," she said. "You can invest in community services to keep people out of the criminal justice system."

The report points out that prison remains one of the most expensive options for states. Advocates for changing the system have said shifting Ohio’s resources toward community services would cost less and help keep more families together.

This story was produced in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.