In recent years, the topic of sexual abuse in the American prison system has gone unstudied, only discussed by comedians and other outsiders who use it as a punch line. But human rights organizations hope that Americans soon open their eyes to the atrocities that take place behind the steel bars of many penitentiaries.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently released a report entitled, "No Escape: Male Rape in U.S. Prisons." The article described in detail the prison rape process-how the weak are preyed upon and eventually "sold" or "rented" for sexual services. Watchdog organizations hope reports like "No Escape" will force prison administrators to crack down on sexual abuse. According to Human Rights Watch, one in fifteen U.S. prisoners have been raped. Studies indicate that violated inmates are likely to attempt suicide.
Organizations like HRW believe prison officials have turned their backs on sexual abuse claims, as many guards allegedly use the threat of sexual assault to keep inmates in line.