Breaking the Cycle/Mending the Hoop: Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Incarcerated American Indian/Alaska Native Women in New Mexico

Abstract

Incarcerated American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women have multiple physical, social, and emotional concerns, many of which may stem from adverse childhood experiences (ACE). We interviewed 36 AI/AN women incarcerated in the New Mexico prison system to determine the relationship between ACE and adult outcomes. ACE assessment included physical neglect, dysfunctional family (e.g., household members who abused substances, were mentally ill or suicidal, or who were incarcerated), violence witnessed in the home, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. The most prevalent ACE was dysfunctional family (75%), followed by witnessing violence (72%), sexual abuse (53%), physical abuse (42%), and physical neglect (22%). ACE scores were positively associated with arrests for violent offenses, lifetime suicide attempt(s), and intimate partner violence.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank the NMWCF warden and staff, CCA, and the NM Department of Corrections for allowing us the opportunity to learn about the lives and needs of the state's incarcerated AI/AN women. We also thank the brave women who shared their stories and experiences with us so that we may better understand and respond to their unique needs.

Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tulane University, or the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

Notes

∗Includes respondents who answered “never” or “almost never” to having enough food, health care, clothing, or decent housing.

^†N = 32, the number of women who had ever been pregnant.

^†Denominator fluctuates, reflecting that some women chose to not respond to every question.

∗ p < .05;

p <.0001.