Women are the fastest growing prison demographic in Australia, especially indigenous females

We noted that over a 15-year period, the number of female prisoners has significantly increased at approximately 4 times the rate of males. Furthermore, indigenous women are seriously over represented within the prison system, resulting in 33.2% of the total prison population; effectively tripling over a 15-year period. An increased level of female incarceration rates poses significant threats to the social, cultural and economic well being of families and children of these women. Statistical evidence indicates 72% of female prisoners have children, out of which 62% are the sole caregiver. This gives rise to intergenerational imprisonment, highlighted with indigenous children, comprising 50% of juvenile justice detainees. Read more here.