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Not surprisingly, the US is home to the highest incarceration rate of women in the world. While the overall American incarceration rate is falling, at 133 out of every 100,000, the women’s rate remains at an historic high. Only 4% of the world’s female population lives in the US, but the US accounts for more than 30% of the worlds incarcerated women.

Criminal justice reform has not kept up with the number and needs of incarcerated women. Because the system has so long been a focus of men, women do not have the same access to diversionary programs that can shorten incarceration.

We would like to thank Prison Policy for the content. Click HERE for the original comprehensive article.