Half of Incarcerated Women in Maricopa County Jail Are Trafficking Victims

New survey sparks efforts to provide support through new programs at Estrella Jail

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:36am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shackled wrist against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the harsh realities of incarceration and the cycle of trauma faced by many incarcerated women.A new survey reveals the depth of trauma experienced by incarcerated women, sparking efforts to provide targeted support and resources.Phoenix Today

A first-of-its-kind study conducted by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and ASU's Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research reveals that over 50% of the women incarcerated at Estrella Jail in Phoenix, Arizona have been victims of sex trafficking. The survey results have prompted the launch of 11 new programs this spring aimed at addressing the trauma and needs of these women, with the goal of breaking the cycle of incarceration.

Why it matters

The survey findings highlight the depth of trauma and exploitation experienced by many incarcerated women, shedding light on the complex issues surrounding sex trafficking and its connection to the criminal justice system. This data is driving change, as officials work to provide more targeted support and resources to address the root causes behind these women's incarceration.

The details

The survey, which was completed by nearly half of the inmates at Estrella Jail, found that 80% reported being victims of domestic violence, 62% said they had been sexually assaulted, and 50.9% identified as having been sex trafficked. These stark statistics have prompted the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Arizona State University to roll out 11 new programs this spring focused on trauma, mental health, addiction, education, parenting, and recovery, with the goal of providing incarcerated women with resources and support to help break the cycle of incarceration.

  • The survey was conducted in 2026 by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and ASU's Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research.
  • The new programs at Estrella Jail are launching this spring of 2026.

The players

Dominque Roe-Sepowitz

Director of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, who oversaw the survey and its findings.

Brandon Smith

Chief Deputy of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which partnered on the survey and is implementing the new programs.

Carrie Bradley

Founder and President of the nonprofit IdentiFreed, which helps women escape sex trafficking by reaching out to them on the streets of Phoenix.

Christin Day

A volunteer and advocate who spent time incarcerated at Estrella Jail and now runs a 12-step substance recovery class there.

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What they’re saying

“The stories of their lives have been harrowing to read. Really sad experiences, lifetimes full of trauma.”

— Dominque Roe-Sepowitz, Director, ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research

“So we know that every other inmate in our jail was sex trafficked.”

— Dominque Roe-Sepowitz, Director, ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research

“If we address some of their trauma and we help get them on the right path, when they get out, they're starting at a better spot.”

— Brandon Smith, Chief Deputy, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

“You don't have to go back to where you were selling your body. Let's build a foundation and get you ready for when you do get out, that you have an opportunity to change your life.”

— Christin Day, Volunteer and Advocate

“Estrella, they're not there very long, and it's really just a very small piece of their journey. Programs in there are great. Everyone's willing to do something in there. It's the follow up, the case management, the making sure that they have somewhere to go when they leave. The vocational rehabilitation. The impacts of trafficking are so intense, that it's not just a one and done.”

— Carrie Bradley, Founder and President, IdentiFreed

What’s next

MCSO and ASU will be conducting another survey at Estrella Jail in May 2026 to see how the results compare to the previous year's findings.

The takeaway

This survey has shed light on the profound trauma and exploitation experienced by many incarcerated women, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to supporting these individuals both during and after their incarceration. The new programs being implemented at Estrella Jail represent an important step, but sustained efforts and resources will be crucial to truly breaking the cycle of trafficking and incarceration.