The Alarming Increase in Female Prison Population in New York City: Stories of Abuse, Assaults, and Calls for Action

The female population in prisons of the growing Big Apple.

Four years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, 203 women were in custody New York City Department of Corrections (NYC DOC)until this week, that number rose to 378. More than 80% are black and Hispanicaccording to data shared by the Vera Justice Center.

But behind this number, not much is explained, which relates to stories of sexual abuse, assaults and violence behind barswho this week contacted a group of 15 women who were members of the City Council, who a few days ago through a letter They asked the municipal government to open the flood of opportunities to release as many detainees as possible, especially those who have been waiting for trial for months.

The Brooklyn Councilwoman of Colombian origin, Jennifer Gutiérrez, He assured El Diario that he had visited a prison Rikers Island, and Queensseveral times and you are surprised at the number of sexual abuse complaints that are currently being handled, conditions that prison staff would supposedly do.

In addition, the local legislator, who was one of those who signed the letter to the city government, is concerned that the plan should the number of beds for women be increased, when the city is supposed to move in another direction: promote social programs to prevent more women from being lost or staying lost.

It was confirmed that the administration of the Eric Adams, plans to expand the number of beds in city jails, including more than three times as many places for women in custody. That is, they would go from 126 to 450.

“Although there are plans allowed by law to close the hellish Rikers Island and reduce the prison population, on the other hand we are seeing more prisons. Honestly, it’s very difficult for me to achieve that goal, with the state of the city government.”attributed to Gutiérrez.

New York City is legally obligated to close Rikers for August 2027. it is
it must be replaced by a prison complex four municipal facilities closest to courts, lawyers, families and service providers.

Currently, women and people of a wide gender currently live in the Rose M. Singer Center and Rikers, which has the project to move to new facilities there Kew Gardens.

In fact, last March city ​​officials confirmed regarding the Kew Gardens women’s prison, which will open after the closure of Rikers, It would triple the number of beds originally proposed.

“We have advocated for the prison system to be much smaller, with thousands less people locked up.safer, with modern and well-designed facilities where the dignity of detainees is promoted, changing the culture in prisons, fostering community links and providing greater access to services“, estimated village speakers.

Brooklyn councilor Jennifer Gutiérrez was part of the call for reflection to the city government: “We see that the closure of Rikers is far from being achieved. ” (Photo: F. Martínez)

They are survivors…

Another concern expressed by the group of consultants is that there is a large proportion of women in prison in the Rose M. Singer Center, Queens, is mentally ill or a survivor of domestic and sexual violence.

Gutiérrez assures that the position of the Democratic majority on the Council is not only to close Rikers Island as soon as possible, but to guarantee social programs and investment to prevent the interaction of the poorest communities and communities of color with the criminal justice system.

In addition, it has been pointed out that hundreds of lawsuits under the Adult Survivors Act (ASA), alleging sexual assault in women’s prisons, indicate that “really neglected” by officers who are supposed to keep detainees safe.

Last year, the ASA he gave people a chance who claim to have been sexually abused, option to file a civil lawsuit, long after the deadline has expired statute of limitations for most criminal cases.

At the closing of that window, anyway 400 lawsuits of this type against him New York City Department of Corrections (NYCDOC) are displayed, respectively court records.

Why are there more women in prisons?

Although women are still standing a small fraction of New York’s total prison populationAccording to an analysis by organizations such as the Vera Justice Center, his prison “has had a profound impact on the communities” and the clear shift in recent months, Increasing the presence of women behind bars.

As several Human Rights organizations agree in separate statements, “a very aggressive policing policy, in some communities of the Big Apple, especially in neighborhoods in communities of color,” which increases incarceration rates.

for the coalition Women’s Community Justice AssociationThe expansion of incarceration is the result of deliberate policies and practices, and can be reversed with political will.

“The City has taken steps to increase jail capacity, before attempting to implement any of the recommendations to avoid it. they want tripling the planned incarceration of women and transgender people”they explained.

The movement is that almost 8 out of 10 women in prison are mothers and, unlike men, most are single mothers. 32% have serious mental illness, a rate that is more than twice that of men in prison and six times that of women in the general public.

In addition, a large part of the population of this prison is a victim of gender violence and in many cases They have committed murder trying to defend themselves from their attacker.

Another minority, especially among Hispanic communities, refers to women who have been involved in accidental crimes, due to traps and confusion caused by not understanding English.

How many behind bars?

• The NYC prison population was 6,330 On April 17, 378 were women, which means an increase of 53% compared to 2020.

• 360 women were imprisoned a year ago. 296 were released from prison in the Big Apple in April 2022. And 203 in 2020.