A matter of dignity
Washington’s Department of Corrections announced reforms Wednesday to combat sex abuse of women by corrections officers. The reforms were prompted by allegations of sex abuse and a proposed class-action lawsuit by current and former women inmates.
The alleged abuses included the exchange of gifts for sexual favors and guards dating former inmates. All allegations, no matter how “consensual” the sex involved, violate the balance of power between prisoners and inmates.
Some in society believe that once a woman breaks the law and gets prison time, she deserves whatever comes her way. So she’s spied upon while undressing? Courted by a prison guard once released? Big deal.
It is a big deal. The United States holds women and men accountable for their criminal actions. But once in prison, inmates have rights to dignity and respect. That’s why there was such an outrage over the treatment of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. It violated a foundational U.S. belief.
Corrections officials rightly pointed out that the vast majority of corrections officers are dedicated professionals. These professionals were appalled. Washington has been proactive on prison safety. In 1999, the state toughened laws covering inmate abuse by staffers. And 2004 grant money was used to educate employees and inmates on sexual boundaries within prisons.
Two of the announced reforms have the most potential to combat prison sex abuse:
“The Washington State Patrol will now investigate complaints leveled against those working in the state’s prisons. But the corrections culture must encourage and reward officers who come forward with complaints about fellow officers. The ability to blow the whistle, without fear of reprisal or breaking the “code,” will increase the number of complaints that the state patrol can investigate.
“Hotlines for reporting abuse. When sexual misconduct happens within prisons, the “secret” usually gets out. An inmate confides in a visiting family member or a former inmate might finally feel safe enough to report. Women within the prison also need unfettered access to hotlines.
“There is no excuse for sexual behavior between correctional staff and prison inmates,” said Interim Department of Corrections Secretary Eldon Vail, “and we will pursue criminal prosecution and termination of any employee engaged in such behavior.” If the corrections department honors Vail’s words, it will honor the dignity of the inmates – and those hired to guard and protect them.