Prisoner Abuse Essay

IntroductionPris atomic anatomy 53r ill-usage is one of the biggest businesss faced by the society. It is one atrocious hassle in legion(predicate) countries worldwide. thither atomic number 18 m either kinds of handle fuck offd by incarcerated men and women, with informal curse beingness the most serious case since the perpetrators is non hardly co-worker hustles just now lock up guards and prison house house house staff in addition. Over population is as well as one conformation of iniquity since the take of the captives ar non correctly prone cod to the scarceness of resources brought about by huge population.Drugs and do drugs maltreatment be is still prevalent in the prison world. Drugs urinate been noted to live a detrimental install to captives the repair which ovalbuminthorn stick up for a lifetime. These kinds of call should be given repayable punishments be ca-ca the convicts, no matter how serious their offenses be, still deser ve to receive treatment that is rightfully accorded to a homophile being.More and more(prenominal) inmates atomic number 18 stepping inside send backs both year. Majority of them reckon extreme crime that level(p) places to death of nigh unfortunate inmates. It is saddening that these postulate intercourses of prisoners ar hindered by m some(prenominal) factors. They cannot demand for justice because their behaviors and emotions be controlled by administration everywhere them. in that respect atomic number 18 excessively multiplication when their complaints ar not acknowledged since they argon already incarcerate due to heavy crimes. This problem however inevitably to be understand since the effect of the demoralize is not only physical it excessively affects the sociological and mental aspect of human race beings.However, prisoner abuse is an unfortunate phenomenon that can still be prevented and controlled. Everyone is entitle to fight for his or her human rights. This also includes even the prisoners who ar convicted with a crime, and they should not be denied of these rights.Defining prisoner ill-treatmentPrisoner abuse happens to incarcerated men and women done mistreatments. Incarcerated individuals suffer twice the punishment given to them because of black jail guards, jail employees, and co-prisoners. atomic number 53 of the ways in which inmates suffer abuse is through torture. As cited in the human beings Rights website, torture in prison is defined as all act by which severe agony or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a mortal for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third somebody cultivation or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or affright or coercing him or a third person, or for any origin based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation o f or with the take over or acquiescence of a public official or separate person acting in an official dexterity (Fathi, 2008).Violence among prisoners by helpmate prisoners or jail guards and employees is also rampant. It is a great problem that should be addressed immediately. Prisoners of all cultures, races, ages, and social status ascertain abuse at some points of their lives in prison.The socioeconomic status and cultural land insure a significant influence in the impact of prison fierceness. Poor prisoners atomic number 18 more ilkly to experience abuse because they cannot live to hire attorneys to defend the kind of life they deport in prison. Those who be not natives of one country are inclined to have question when calling out for help because they are not speaking in that countrys run-in (Richie, 2000).Forms of Prison guyPrisoner abuse comes in various forms, all of which cause harmful effects to potent and effeminate inmates. It comes in the form of p hysical, psychological, knowledgeable and verbal.Physical AbusePhysically, the prisoners are abused through hitting and continuous beating. Physical abuse whitethorn also manifest as armamentd work assigned to the dupes which is not a part of their punishment when they are convicted. This also includes depriving them of their basic needs such as food and clothing by cruel jail employees. The growing population of corrections may also be considered as form of physical abuse. Due to the large population that results in scarcity of resources, the prisoners do not receive an adequate make sense of their basic needs (Idaho Observer, 2006).One of the most controversial and disturbing issues regarding prisoner abuse is the at long last degrading treatment of Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib in Iraq by American soldiers. A report do by Higham and Stephens (2004) at the Washington property narrates how the Iraqi detainees were physically violatedPreviously secret sworn statements by det ainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq describe in raw decimal point abuse that goes well beyond what has been make public, adding allegations of prisoners being ridden the like animals, knowledgeablely fondled by young-bearing(prenominal) soldiers and forced to retrieve their food from toilets (Higham & Stephens, 2004).Many of the prisoners who experience physical abuse, particularly those in the Abu Ghraib, are treated like animals. Prisoners are also out of touch with the real world. Their socialization is hindered by galore(postnominal) factors. They do not have the capacity to fight back since they are already convicted for the crimes that they made. Other cases of physical abuse go as further as the prisoners death.Verbal AbuseThere are also instances of verbal abuse to prisoners. They are called imbecile, idiot, moron, and other nasty manner of speaking by jail guards in order to humiliate them (Higham & Stephens, 2004). Higham and Stephens (2004) add that some of the detainees described are being abused as punishment or discipline subsequently they were caught fighting or with a banned item (Higham & Stephens, 2004).According to the Idaho Observer (2006), the guards tend to think that the inmates always do something wrong. One of the guards admitted that if they catch the prisoners lips moving, they assume that the latter are not telling the equity (Idaho Observer, 2006).Words that are usually thrown by jail guards to inmates are often harsh and hard to take. These words are more lancinating and humiliating. There are also instances when prisoners who commit mistakes in front of their swearing prisoners are being shouted at by jail guards and employees. These are really unbecoming ways of treating prisoners because it damages their self-esteem and has bad effect on their mentality (Higham & Stephens, 2004).Psychological Abuse Discipline is far unalike from torture. However, some jail authorities resort to using psychological abuse an d mask it as a method of discipline for prisoners. This happens to prisoners by heart of taunting, white noise, and not allowing them to quietude. much(prenominal) cases of psychological abuse may lead to mental disorders. There are also threats given out to prisoners which cause paranoia and mental and emotional torture. Drug usage in prison may also lead to psychological disorders (Idaho Observer, 2006).One good example of psychological abuse in prison is cited in the May 2006 Idaho Observer report. The verbalize report states that the abuse in the prison may manifest subtly. or else of inflicting physical harm on prisoners, they are being abused by toying with them psychologically and emotionally. For instance, the jail employees leave the lights on for 17-and-a-half hours straight (430 in the morning to 10 in the evening). The guards also disturb the prisoners sleep by pointing the flashlights on the latters faces every 60 minutes or so, slamming the doors, and speaking lou dly (Idaho Observer, 2006). Obviously, lack of sleep lead cause ones mind not to give out properly. This kind of maltreatment in prisons is still rampant until today. familiar AbuseThe most popular abuse among prisoners is sexual abuse. There are more cases of forced sexual intercourse inside corrections. This abuse leads to diseases like precaution and HIV. Sexual abuse is done by forcing prisoners to have sexual demote with jail guards, jail employees and even their co-inmates. Sexual abuse is not only limited to prison guards and employees. It also occurs inside jail bars, the co-inmate being the perpetrator. staminate to male sexual encounter occurs because they dont have any choice but to satisfy their sexual needs by abusing their fellow male inmates. On the case of young-bearing(prenominal) prisoners who were sexually abused, lack of major big businessman hinders them to report the incident. There are times when sexual abuse to female prisoners occurs with the conse nt of the victim. However, this is still a violation of the law (Idaho Observer, 2006).Types of Prison AbuseCases of maltreatment and mistreatment inside corrections take place when jail guards, any prison employee, or co-prisoner does something inappropriate to other prisoners. It comes in many offensive forms depending on the type. Although something bad is done by the inmate it is still improper to treat them like animals. It is still a case of abuse of power by jail personnel and a violation of human rights.Drugs in PrisonUsing illegal drugs, drug trafficking and other drug think cases cause individuals to be jail. To end the promulgation of drugs, the drug pushers are detained in jails. However, the issue on drugs does not end here. Some correctional offer the use of drugs among prisoners. Others are forced to use it while those who are already users before entering the bars continue to use it. Addiction among inmates of the prohibited drugs is also attributed to stress tha t they experience in such environment (Uchtenhagen, 2007).Because of drugs being trafficked in jails, inmates who used to use drugs mildly prior to being imprisoned may become highly addicted to drugs. On the other hand, those who do not have any history of drug use may turn out to be drug users as their method of cope with stress and depression (Managing Drugs in Prison, 2007). Source of prohibited drugs are jail employees, jail guards, and those inmates who still have contacts on drug suppliers exterior.Other causes of drug abuse inside prison are related to other types of abuse. When one prisoner is abused sexually, he/she is bribed by things like drugs to obviate complain about the incident. Those prisoners who are users of drugs being incarcerated are blackmailed by using the victims personal cravings to drugs to get their consent and agree to be molested. Those prisoners who are weak are being bullied and forced to use drugs by those who are superior inside their cells (Man aging Drugs in Prison, 2007).The effects of drug abuse to prisoners are really permeating. They cannot act and think normally because of substance abuse. Their relationship with individually other is also affected as well as their relatives outside the prison environment (Managing Drugs in Prison, 2007).Overpopulation in PrisonEvery year, more and more people are being incarcerated because of many debates. Some are guilty of their crimes while others are victims of injustice. The emergence in the number of prisoners equates to great demands for resources and space inside the prison vicinity. However, the inmates are being abused by corrupt prison personnel who ask help from the government to aid the scarcity of prison resources like food, beds and others. In some cases, normal and mentally ill prisoners are combined in one place which makes the attitude worse. Prisons which are overcrowded are, more often than not, unsafe as they warn of a riot erupting any time (Idaho Observ er, 2006).One of the reasons for prison overcrowding is the imprisonment of big(predicate) women. Women who are big(a) birth in prisons also increase at the same time. The problem here is not only the fit of the female prisoner but the condition of the infant being born in that kind of environment. The problem arises before and during the delivery since medical support is also inaccessible inside prisons.Sexual Abuse in PrisonIn some cases of sexual abuse in prison, bribery is included to avoid reporting the bad incident made to prisoners. Those who were abused are given cigarettes, drugs, clothing, access to telephone and other prison privileges in replace of sexual encounters. Offering goods to prisoners makes the sexual abuse possible because prisoners crave things that they only experience outside.Food and drugs are mutually used to perpetrate the abuse. Threats is also conglomerate when forced sexually abuse is done. However, sexual abuse perpetrated by female inmates doe s not fall in the context of rape. This is because in that location is no force used to perform the abuse. Girls are often framed by probation officers as being overemotional and needy (Gaarder et al., 2005, p. 578).Male rape is a common thing inside prisons, but as for female prisoners, the enemy is not their fellow prisoners but some(prenominal) worse. They are the male prison guards and correctional staff. Female prisoners who are sexually coerced by jail guards give in because of fear. Sexual abuse is also used in most prisons to dispense up more serious problems like drug addiction and carrying of vitriolic weapons loafer bars. There are also cases when sexual abuse serves as the key to escape from jail. Correctional employees assist the escape of female prisoners with whom they have sexual involvement (Human Rights Watch 1996).The problem of sexual abuse among women prisoners is much worse precisely because of their sheer number. Research shows that the United States has earned the annotation of incarcerating the most number of prisoners. Most of these prisoners are women and their number is increasing dramatically at a fast rate. According to studies, since 1980, the number of women entering U.S. prisons has been brocaded to almost 400%, which is roughly double the incarceration rate increase of males. According to current statistics, nearly half of all female prisoners have experienced some form of sexual abuse prior to incarceration (Human Rights Watch 1996). The most common sexual abuse in prison always incorporates violence in it. In a report made by the Department of Justice in 2004, there are 8,210 allegations of sexual violence according to correctional authorities, the equivalent of 3.2 allegations per 1,000 inmates and youths incarcerated in 2004 (Department of Justice 2005). When violence is mixed with sexual abuse, it is really damaging on the part of the victim. There are physical disabilities that may occur, including broken bones and joints, skin injuries, and many more. The worst cases of prison rape lead to the death of prisoners. sack cases also happen to male prisoners. There are male prison guards and correctional staffs that take advantage of the authoritative power and force male prisoners to have sex intercourse with them. Then they disguise their revolting act, by affect as comfortors of the prisoners. It often involves conference of prisoners in order to scare the heading prisoner to be ravaged. It is a setup made by having group of prisoners bully the victim and threatening him with body harm. At the point that they will hurt the victim, the so-called protector will try to defend the victim and scare the groups away. In order to repay the savior (a jail guard, a jail staff or a co-inmate), the inmate will be asked to do favors and be repaid sexually.Causes of Prison Abuse Abuse of power is the primary(prenominal) reason why there is such thing as prison abuse. Those who are in function take a dvantage of their power and demands many things from others. Such dominance causes abuse and torture to poor convicted criminals trapped behind bars. The lack of courage to speak for the truth and shout for justice is also a reason why the abuse is done over and over to prisoners. Cases of sexual abuse are included in this example and cited in the Human Rights Watch website. These are the words of a male prisoner who was raped inside the institution. As he recallsIve been sentenced for a D.U.I. offense. My third one. When I first came to prison, I had no idea what to expect. Im a tall white male, who unfortunately has a small amount of feminine characteristics. And very shy. These characteristics have got me raped so many times I have no more feelings physically. I have been raped by up to 5 black men and two white men at a time. Ive had knifes at my head and throatThere is no supervision after lockdown (Human Rights Watch 2006), When a prisoner looks appealing among the rest, there is a great chance of being molested by prison guards. Some prisoners use their charms to have access to other things like phone calls and extra food during meal times (Human Rights Watch 2006). effect of Prisoner Abuse The effects of prisoner abuse can last a lifetime. The trauma and depression can be inculcated in the minds of prisoners who were physically, psychologically, verbally and sexually abused and leave them scarred permanently. Those who were brutally abused through physical means have traces of scars and bone injuries that cannot be treated anymore. There are also cases of physical abuse when one inmate is forced to have a tattoo by their fellow inmates. The denial put comes in when they are visited by their relatives and ask what happened to them. They will try to dissemble the fact that they are abused by people who should have looked after them and just discipline them instead of giving them torture. Most prisoners are white-lipped of telling the truth because har der punishments will be given to them by their perpetrators (Men in Prison, 2008). Mental illnesses are also developed as years go by inside prisons. This is because the wide spread of drug abuse is rampant. It is seemingly known that prohibited drugs cause malfunction in the brain. Other diseases like STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and AIDS are attributed to sexual abuse inside prisons. This is the man in the prison system which has been institutionalized in the societya kind of system that contributes to the perpetuation of violence inside prisons (Men in Prison, 2008). Prisoner abuse also has sociological effects on the prisoner. The traumatic experience causes fear and trauma that will make him separate himself from everyone. The issue of women inmates giving birth to their child is also included because of prisoner abuse. The child is automatically separated from the mother once born inside the prison. In effect, the child may grow up without the necessary care and att ention which is judge to be given by the biological mother.There are even cases of pregnant prisoners who are raped by prison guards. Such sexual abuse is really unbearable for the victim and their families. It does not only impact the prisoners but the institution as a whole. The reason why they are incarcerated is for them to be disciplined and not to be tortured and abused (Acoca & Austin, 1996). Sexual abuse makes the institution not credible in disciplining the prisoners. Instead, they themselves should be incarcerated as well. When prisoners experience abuse, the effects can last a life time. The nightmare will forever haunt them and may lead to mental incapacitation or death at the worst. Those who experience sexual abuse and accumulate diseases stimulate themselves committing suicide than suffer the illness daily. On cases of female prisoners who are raped, there is greater possibility of being pregnant. Being mentally ill is also an additional risk of being sexually abuse d (Acoca & Austin, 1996).Rights of Prisoners Although a person is found guilty of a crime, there is still no reason for him/her to be abused inside prisons. There are several studies cover various changes regarding situations of prisoners. Most of the express report involve abuse without due punishment given to the perpetrators. Everyone has the right to seek for justice even if you are already set behind the bars. Inmates do not deserve any kind of abuse inside the correctional. They are placed there to be rehabilitated and disciplined, not to be punished twice for their misdeed. According to the report made by the Justice Departments Bureau of Justice, prison population in the United States has grown to 2 million inmates (Longley, 2007). The said seek also shows that the escalating number of inmates heightens the problem of sexual abuse while incarcerated. Such demands about this problem should no longer be ignored handicap measures need be done eradicate this problem. The ri ghts of prisoners as cited in the Human Rights Website (2008) are based from the International Covenant on Civil and governmental Rights (ICCPR) in 1992. These rights address the following(1) All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.(2)The pen system shall comprise treatment of prisoners the essential aim of which shall be their reformation and social rehabilitation (Fathi, 2008).ICCPR also guarantees prisoner who were abused that there are remedies at hand to counter such violation of their human rights. The said covenant includes the following(a) To go steady that any person whose rights or freedoms as herein recognized are violated shall have an effective remedy, thus far that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity(b) To ensure that any person claiming such a remedy shall have his right thereto determined by competent judicial, administrative or legis lative authorities, or by any other competent authority provided for by the legal system of the State, and to develop the possibilities of judicial remedy(c) To ensure that the competent authorities shall enforce such remedies when granted (ICCPR, Art. 2, sec. 3, as cited in Fathi, 2008).Solutions to Prison Abuse Aside from the rights and privileges mentioned above, there are a mixture of solutions to end this abuse among prisoners. There are organizations and government groups that help victims of prison abuse. There are also preventive measures that can be followed so as to stop the occurrence of any kind of abuse. lot against prisoner abuse are comprised of individuals who seek for justice for those abused prisoners.One of the organizations that have been fighting for inmate rights is the People Against Prison Abuse, organization established in 1994 to help inmates and their family. The said organization aims to assist the families and friends who are currently imprisoned (Peop le Against Prison Abuse, 2008). It attempts to address the following concernsThe tax being paid by taxpayers over the past several years are said to be spent more on prison inmates than public education but it is not visibly seen.The medical care of inmatesOvercrowding is always ignored which should not become a norm.Mentally ill prisoners are not properly taken care of and are often abused by guards because they are not trained on how to deal with such conditions.The physically challenged inmates do not have the medical care, equipment, and/or facilities to enable them to be a functional human inside the prison system(6)The vast number of industrial prison complex staff (wardens, guards, and medical staff) commit worse crimes than majority of inmates so they should be punished. (People Against Prison Abuse, 2008).The aforementioned concerns are some of the many appeals of people who want justice for prison abuse. It is also substantial to support organizations like this to make a ll people aware and to change the government to investigate conditions within our prisons and to pass legislation to protect prisoners from abuse ( mark Prison Abuse, 2008).Conclusion It is saddening to note that the judicial system which is supposed to protect the oppressed likewise offers no solution to this problem as it would consider this problem as an internal matter and would rather allow prison officials to handle this matter amongst themselves. The indifferent attitude of the correctional officials to one inmate raping another is likewise depressing. It renders much harmful effects on the condition of the prisoner and the credibility of justice.Prisoner abuse is indeed a pervasive in penal institutions. This problem however is preventable and controllable if preventive measures will be enacted and the government will responsibly address the issue. The retort need not be limited to their strict punishment as avoidance measures may be instituted as a matter of prison policy . The governments often have limited resources on giving the right pursuit process for victims and offenders (Hoffman, 1993, p. 1552).Prisoner abuse should be given immediate achievement so that it will never happen again. Abuse of authority should not be tolerated. This is a serious problem needed to be solved immediately. Not only because the victim is already convicted, but because the victim is a human. Every human being has indelible rights. Conviction for a crime no matter how heinous it is will not strip him or her of these rights.ReferencesAcoca, L. & James, A. (1996).The Crisis Women In Prison. Draft report submitted to the Charles E. Culpepper Foundation. San Francisco, CA National Council on abuse and Delinquency.Hoffman, Paul (1993). The Feds, Lies and Videotape The Need for an Effective Federal Role in Controlling Police Abuse in Urban America. Southern atomic number 20 Law Review, 66, 1522.Higham, S. & Stephens J. (2004). New Details of Prison Abuse Emerge. The W ashington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2008 from http//www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A43783-2004May20?language=printerHuman Rights Watch. (1996). All Too Familiar Sexual Abuse of Women in State Prisons.Retrieved April 30, 2008 from http//hrw.org/reports/1996/Us1.htmHuman Rights Watch. (2006). No Escape Male Rape in US Prisons. Retrieved April 30,2008 fromhttp//www.hrw.org/reports/2001/prison/report.html_1_2Idaho Observer. (2008). Seven Years Abuse in Idaho Prison. Pro-Liberty Network. RetrievedApril 30, 2008 from http//proliberty.com/observer/20060520.htmIts Not My Problem. (2008) Men Stuff Organization. Retrieved April 30, 2008 from http//www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/jailhouserock.htmlLongley, R. (2007). U.S. Prison community Tops 2 Million. About.com. Retrieved April 30,2008 from http//usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/aaprisonpop.htmPeople Against Prison Abuse. (2008). People Against Prison Abuse. Retrieved April 30, 2008fromhttp//www.peopleagainstprisonabuse.com/page 1.htmlRichie, Beth. (2000). Exploring the Link Between Violence Against Women and WomensInvolvement in Illegal Activity. U.S. Department of Justice. Research on Women and Girls in the Justice System.Stop Prison Abuse. (2008) Stop Prison Abuse. Retrieved April 30, 2008 fromhttp//stopprisonabuse.org/Uchtenhagen, A. (2008). Drug Prevention Outside and inside Prison Walls. Joomla.Retrieved April 30, 2008 from http//www.drugtext.org/library/articles/97817.htm