Prison Rape in the U.S.

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines the extent of rapes within the U.S. prison system, with some especial attention being given to the phenomenon of gang rapes. The writer notes that understanding the extent of the problem as well as the major associated risks is an important first step in formulating some procedures by which the number of rapes within corrections institutions can be significantly reduced. The writer points out that it is important to first note that eliminating the rape of prisoners will not come easily. In fact, it is unlikely that the problem will ever be completely eradicated. Nonetheless, the writer maintains that outlining a path that corrections institutions can take in the short-term and the long-term is crucial if any headway is going to be made against the problem.

From the Paper:

"Attitudes regarding prison rape in the United States, unfortunately, are not conducive to reducing the incidence of prison rape. The public view the rape of men in prisons as a joke. Gags about dropping the soap in a prison shower are common and only reinforce the assumption that the rape of prisoners, at least men, is acceptable. Many have the attitude that prisoners somehow deserve what they get--after all, they did commit a crime and aren't in prison because they are fully innocent. Additionally, a culture of machismo in the United States contributes to the attitude that men who are raped aren't really men because they weren't able to fend off their attacker. Unfortunately for prisoners, these assumptions and attitudes only increase the possibility that they will have to face sexual assault without any social or institutional recourse. The fact is that victims of prison rape are rarely able to defend themselves, especially in cases of gang rape, when attackers are more numerous and are only too willing to resort to physical violence-even murder-to get what they want."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bell, D. (2006, July 10). 'They deserve it'. Nation, 283(2), pp. 18-24.
• Gordon, N. (2001, September 14). Rape used as control in U.S. prisons. National Catholic Reporter, 37(39), p. 18.
• Stricherz, M. (2003, October). Violated felons. Christianity Today, 47(10), pp. 22-23.
• Struckman-Johnson, C., Struckman-Johnson, D., Tucker, L, Gumby, K., and Donaldson, S. (1996). Sexual coercion reported by men and women in prison. Journal of Sex Research, 33(1), pp. 67-76.

More papers on Prison Rape in the U.S.:

• Research Paper # 6266 : "Violence in U.S. Correctional Facilities"
• Term Paper # 131862 : "Rape in US Correctional Institutions"
• Essay # 23867 : "Women in U.S. Prisons"

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