Prison is meant for punishment, but somehow I don't think this is what
judges have in mind.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice are investigating a complaint
filed that alleges Tutwiler Prison for Women has had numerous sexual assaults
and rapes from 2004-2011.
Inmates who complained to the warden were punished for doing so.
Meanwhile, the guards routinely took advantage of their power over the inmates,
including going into the shower room. Several of the women became pregnant, but
thus far only one guard has been punished. He fathered a baby with an inmate
and served six months in jail for rape. The usual sentence for the crime is 50
years.
On one hand, I'm sure many people will say these women committed a crime so
they have no rights left to protect. On the other hand, however, this is gross
misconduct and abuse of power. These events seem more like something that would
happen in 1962 not 2012. Apparently we still live in a society where men can
take advantage of women and we turn a blind eye and look the other way.
And why did no one care before this? Because these women are criminals.
They also are no doubt poor and from disadvantaged groups. In essence, they are
the people in society no one cares about.
What do you think? Should prison guards be able to do whatever they
please?
Beyond disturbing. Especially when I think
ReplyDeleteof the woman who injured the man who had been abusing her for years (and ended up in prison)...abused all over again..
I recently saw a movie based on real life events of this very thing. I was appalled at what these guards do, with no fear of reprimand. Not to mention the trouble the women prisoners get into with them if they tell.
ReplyDeleteIn this particular case, one woman prisoner, was able to make a stand, contact authorities and attorneys outside of the prison, to try and get help. Many ladies would not support her because of fear, but some did. They almost lost their lives when the guards found out - trying to prevent them from passing the proof to the authorities and attorneys while making a pass-through of the prison. The main woman prisoner was shot while trying to run from the guards to get the proof to the authorities and attorneys but did live.
The women succeeded to have their voices heard and evidence shown, and those guards had their "power" turned back on them.
Whether the women are poor and disadvantaged, or rich and fortunate, the guards have a job to guard these women prisoners, not to violate their very bodily person, including causing pregnancies and/or diseases, etc., and should definitely suffer penalties under the law for their appalling behavior towards these women.