Sexual misconduct and is a troublingly unresolved problem worldwide, in particular in the United States. According to Alvarez and Bachman (2017), “the rate of rape has not changed much over time, with approximately 150,420 people age 12 and older becoming the victims of rape and sexual assault annually” (p. 185). Rape in prisons remains an issue that is not broadly discussed in society; hence, there are difficulties with tackling the problem. This paper aims to discuss how society should address sexual assault and rape in American prisons.
First of all, it is crucial to raise awareness in people and acknowledge the massive problem regarding sexual victimization during incarceration. Few sexual assaults are reported, thus, preventing the estimation of the true scope of the problem. As Lennard (2017) indicates, the media should find ways to reach out to victims who cannot share their stories out of fear of further consequences from inmates and staff.
The prison culture is specific, but efforts should be made to reconsider the whole system. The associated structural oppressions take root from the very emergence of prisons. Hence, according to Lennard (2017), lowering “the number of people sent to prisons and detention centers” is pivotal in addressing the issue. Such an objective is rather challenging, and other measures can be taken to reduce sexual misconduct in prisons.
Overall, society should cultivate the appropriate culture of mutual respect and ensure an environment that does not tolerate or ignore rape. Prevention programs can be implemented to address the problem and hold offenders accountable (Alvarez & Bachman, 2017). Supporting victims, promoting respect, and incorporating the appropriate preventive systems is crucial. American society should not stay indifferent to sexual violence in prisons, and all offenders must be held responsible for misconduct.
References
Alvarez, A., & Bachman, R. (2017). Violence: The enduring problem (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Lennard, N. (2017). Will the prison rape epidemic ever have its Weinstein moment?The Intercept. Web.