But these stories came across my newsfeed this weekend and yesterday.
Sex in men's prisons: 'The US system cultivates rape. If you treat ...
The Independent-
But the 3D picture of prison rape in America, the how and why and what happens next, is scarcely uttered because those who survive the ...
Sexual abuse by guards at Tutwiler Prison for Women could lead to ...
The Huntsville Times - al.com (blog)--
"Prison rape and abuse is unacceptable, and we are taking appropriate steps to make Alabama facilities safer." - governor's spokeswoman ...
'Get with it, Alabama:' Hire more female guards at Tutwiler Prison ...
Explore in depth (19 more articles)
Report: Guards May Be Responsible for Half of All Prison Sexual ...
Mother Jones-
A new Justice Department study shows that allegations of sex abuse in the nation's prisons and jails are increasing–with correctional officers ...
As noted in the book, it is explained that prison life remains largely a mystery to Americans, and that when prisons make the news, it is usually for stories like this.
Frankly, as a criminologist, I think such stories are justified and even refreshing--not that they happen--but that they are finally in the news.
Stories like these are the only way to combat "out of sight, out of mind" mindsets. Most are not going to seek out articles re: prison conditions, violence, etc.
ReplyDeleteCrazy how much of a forgotten population prisoners, and those released, have become, especially when one considers how (relatively) quickly a majority will be released and expected to adjust to society after living in such harrowing conditions for a few years. Non-violent offenders who have the book thrown in their general direction are sure to develop violent tendencies when you consider conditions that some face.
Given the inmate:offender ratio, I'm not sure what can be done within prisons right now to better protect victims. The ratio disparity comes from lack of funding, and this lack of funding also means too little funding to throw violent, sexual predators into a more secure prison dorm.
Beyond funding issues, it is shocking (ok, not shocking... upsetting) to see the inadequate handling of correctional officer misconduct.
The stories are troubling, but their presence is a good sign. Off to class. Hopefully the deathly-ill condition subsides!