The US justice system was designed to address a majority male population, and is operated by primarily male officers and officials.
While women represent a smaller percentage of the overall justice population, they continue to be the fastest growing. Despite this fact, most systems have failed to comprehensively adopt gender responsive policies, and programs proven to improve safety and outcomes.
The unique risks, strengths and needs of women are being eclipsed throughout the justice system. This has had a direct impact on mass incarceration, and is perpetuating cyles of trauma, victimization and harm among impacted families and communities.