NCJ Number
196105
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the issue of prison rape, how it is represented by the media, and how it affects both inmates and society overall.
Abstract
In order to discuss the problem of prison rape, this article discusses the history, statistics, scholarly reports, testimonials, and media presentation of this complex issue. The author argues that there is reason to be concerned with the issue of prison rape because there are more inmates in the United States now than ever and because rape has long-term, negative effects on the victim who will be released into society while still suffering from the psychological and physical effects of the rape. Citing prison rape statistics, the author argues that there are at least 7,150 sexual victimizations a day in jails. Arguing that the issue of prison rape is often ignored by prison system officials in the hopes that it will take care of itself, the author cites the Internet as a source of free speech for prisoners who are victims of prison rape. Turning to the issue of media and Hollywood representations of the issue of prison rape, the author argues that the depictions of prison rape through these sources are not designed to give the public clear or accurate representations of this complex issue, as they are designed to generate high ratings and movie ticket sales. Bibliography