WHY ARE SO MANY WOMEN BEING INCARCERATED IN OKLAHOMA?
projectEXIST is an independent initiative put in place to expose the incredibly corrupt institutional systems and enabling societal forces that allow a record breaking number of women to be incarcerated and remain institutionalized.
We empower folks with information and offer incentive to help the cause!
2nd Highest Incarceration
Rate in the World
Oklahoma’s female* incarceration rate has doubled since 1990. Currently, the state holds a female* incarceration rate that is nearly 80% higher than the national average.
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Data from the Prison Policy Initiative
Severe Drug
Possession
Sentencing
Oklahoma enforces harsher punishment on women* who offend the conservative collective morality of traditional family values. Oklahoma sentences females* for drug possession charges at a rate 29% longer than the national average.
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Data from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Lowest Rate of Rehabilitation
On average, 70% of incarcerated women* in Oklahoma suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues, while the average for incarcerated men in Oklahoma is forty-four percent. Over half of these women* will return to prison within the first five years of release.
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics
LET'S BREAK THIS DOWN
The data (and the lack of) is the key to understanding
the epic issue of Oklahoma's female* incarceration rates.
The Institutionalization of Indigenous Women*
Female* Incarceration
Trends in Oklahoma
Drug Sentencing Bias Toward Women*
Institutional Racism Within the Oklahoma Prison System
FUNDRAISER SPOTLIGHT
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Next100
Next100 is supported by The Century Foundation, a progressive public policy think tank. The campaign was established to promote one-of-a-kind, independent ideas for the new generation of policy leaders. Next100 represents a continuation of TCF’s century-long commitment to elevating the best ideas and most diverse perspectives, and pursuing policy research with purpose. Next100 believes mass incarceration and our current criminal justice system are having a devastating impact, particularly on communities of color and Indigenous people. They are focused on researching, developing, and advocating for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, strengthen communities, and make for a more fair and just criminal justice system.
