Women in Ontario’s correctional facilities experience disproportionately high rates of mental illness, trauma, and substance use disorders. Many have survived domestic violence, childhood abuse, poverty, and systemic discrimination. BIPOC women, in particular, are significantly overrepresented in both provincial and federal custody. Despite these realities, access to consistent, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed mental health care remains limited in many correctional settings.

While recent initiatives, including specialized mental health units and research investments, are important steps forward, they are not enough to meet the scale of need. Women with severe and persistent mental illness often face significant gaps in care during incarceration and, critically, upon release. Correctional environments are not designed to function as therapeutic settings, yet many women enter custody already in crisis. Without proper discharge planning, stable housing, income support, and continuity of mental health treatment, many are released into instability. This places vulnerable women at higher risk of relapse, homelessness, victimization, family separation, and re-incarceration; further perpetuating a cycle that is costly both socially and economically.

This is not only a justice issue; it is a public health issue. The majority of incarcerated individuals will return to their communities. When mental health needs are left untreated, the impacts extend beyond the individual to children, families, and entire communities.

We are calling on the Government of Ontario to expand and sustain funding and awareness for in-custody mental health services, increase access to specialized psychiatric care, and strengthen reintegration supports for women leaving correctional facilities. Investing in comprehensive, gender-responsive mental health care promotes recovery, strengthens families, and enhances community safety.

We ask that you sign this petition to support the women in our communities for meaningful, evidence-based change.