1. GENDER DIFFERENCES
Cassandra F. Newkirk, M.D.

2. Gender Differences Women Relationships are important
Talk about their problems
Caretakers of children
Will ask for help
Depressed
Men
Do not share innermost thoughts
Do not talk about their problems
Acknowledge children
Reluctant to ask for help
Aggressive

3. Histories Women Abused as children Used drugs & alcohol early
Early initiation into sex
Unwanted pregnancies
STD’s
Men
Abused as children
Used drugs & alcohol early
Early initiation into sex
Unplanned children
STD’s

4. Consequences Women Men Low self-esteem Low self-esteem Depression
Angry/aggressive
Unwanted children
STD’s
Other health problems
Dental
Ob Gyn
Men
Low self-esteem
Angry/aggressive
Do not take care of children
STD’s
Health problems

5. Self-destructive behavior Men Victimizer Aggressive behavior
Women
Victim role
Self-destructive behavior
Anger turned inward
Men
Victimizer
Aggressive behavior
Outward expression of anger

6. Abuse Histories of Male and Female Inmates
6-14% reported physical or sexual abuse pre-age 18
>50% of abused men were abused by parents or guardians
1 in 20 head been sexually abused pre-18 years old
1 in 10 had been physically abused pre-18 years old
76% of abused men used illegal drugs regularly (68%)
Female Inmates
23-37% reported physical or sexual abuse pre-age 18
>50% of abused women were abused by a spouse or boyfriend
<33% abused by parents and guardians
1 in 4 sexually abused pre-age 18
1 in 4 physically abused pre age 18
89% of abused women used illegal drugs regularly

7. Staff’s Issues Women Abused Victimized Substance Abuse Depressed Men
Victimizers or need to be in control
Substance Abuse
Depressed - expressed aggressively (need to control)

8. Women
Challenges in personal life
Like the male attention
Power & Control
Low self-esteem
Men
Challenges in personal life
Like the “thrill”
Power & Control
Vulnerable to female pressure