A new study directed by Joanne Belknap has uncovered a depressing truth. Second, it underscores the alarmingly high rates of sexual violence experienced by incarcerated women in Ohio. For the past three decades, Belknap has focused her professional life on carceral institutions. She continues as a passionate advocate for those affected by the justice system. Her research has demonstrated a startling link between experiences of sexual violence and higher rates of incarceration among women.
Belknap began by mailing surveys to a random sample of women in each of the four state-run prisons in Ohio in 2010. Among the 716 incarcerated women who completed the survey, each had compelling stories and first-hand accounts detailing their experiences with acts of sexual violence. These findings point to an alarming trend. Ohio women prisoners are 32 times more likely to experience sexual violence than women in local Ohio communities. lexinfinite/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND
Startling Statistics
The study, which was the first of its kind, found that 50 percent of incarcerated women were raped before age 18. That astonishing statistic is over 10 times greater than the rates of reported sexual violence victimization experienced by women in the general population. Further, 70% of these women reported having been raped in their lifetime. By comparison, just 17% of women in the general population said they had experienced something similar.
This study underscored the pervasive sexual violence faced by incarcerated women, and the premature onset of sexual violence endured by incarcerated women. Almost one-third of women in jail said they experienced rape before the age of 11. In comparison, this number decreases to under 2% for non-incarcerated women. The findings highlight a disturbing cycle of victimization that seems to be linked to the increased likelihood of being incarcerated in the future.
Joanne Belknap emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “The big picture finding here is that being raped overwhelmingly increases your chances of going to prison.” This relationship raises critical and immediate issues about the intersection of sexual violence and criminal justice. It holds the nation accountable to meet the needs and recognize the experiences of those affected.
The Impact on Education and Life Trajectory
The research further investigated the educational consequences of sexual violence on young women. Belknap and her co-researcher, Cathy McDaniels Wilson, found that experiences of rape significantly increased the likelihood of dropping out of high school. This is another known risk factor for incarceration. Women who were raped before age 11 were found to be 15% less likely to graduate from high school, illustrating how early trauma can derail educational ambitions.
During a trauma-informed workshop facilitated by Belknap, one participant found the courage to share her traumatic experience. She described being raped by the same childhood minister when she was only five years old. This story rang true for so many other fellows in the audience, causing hushed sobs to erupt as they began to process their own experiences. Many incarcerated women expressed gratitude towards McDaniels Wilson after the workshop, thanking her for providing a platform where they felt acknowledged and counted.
“These are our moms, our sisters and our aunts.” – Cathy McDaniels Wilson
A Call for Awareness and Change
Findings from this study are not without precedent. These findings deeply echo previous analyses, which have found that survivors of sexual violence are at an increased risk of imprisonment. Belknap and McDaniels Wilson assert that understanding this connection is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems for vulnerable populations.
Belknap remarked on the uniqueness of her study, saying, “This is unprecedented. There’s never been a sexual abuse study that looks at the same geographic region at the same time asking very similar questions.” This holistic approach helps expose systemic injustices. It directly addresses the root causes that entrap women in a cycle of violence and incarceration.
Cathy McDaniels Wilson further emphasized the importance of including incarcerated individuals in discussions about social issues. “We often don’t think of being inclusive of those who are incarcerated,” she noted, “but it is important to look at the trajectory that may have gotten them there.”