Domestic violence and women in Oklahoma prisons

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Researchers and prosecutors say there may be a link between domestic violence and the high number of Oklahoma women who are sent to prison. <br><br>The link is suggested in a report

Thursday, October 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Researchers and prosecutors say there may be a link between domestic violence and the high number of Oklahoma women who are sent to prison.

The link is suggested in a report prepared by University of Oklahoma professors Susan Sharp and Susan Marcus-Mendoza. It shows that 64.6% of female inmates in state prisons experienced domestic violence as an adult.

The survey, based on inmate responses, says 42.3% were physically abused as a child. 42.7% were sexually abused.

The research was released today to the Task Force on the Incarceration of Women. The group is studying why Oklahoma leads the nation in putting women in prison.