Nearly Invisible: The Psychosocial and Health Needs of Women with Male Partners in Prison

Abstract

Very little research has been conducted investigating the health status and social needs of women with incarcerated male partners, despite the large number of men from underserved communities who are currently incarcerated. Research with women who have incarcerated male partners has primarily focused on communicable disease risk and family interactions. Women with incarcerated partners are often mothering children who are at risk for early and repeated incarceration, behavioral problems, and poverty. Gaining a better understanding of the health and social needs, and the resources use of these women and their children may lead to developing policies and programs that help them better manage their health, as well as aid in strengthening their family relationships.