Module Six Journal Overview: In This Assignment You Will Re
Module Six Journalhtmloverviewin This Assignment You Will Reflect On
In this assignment, you will reflect on gender diversity in prison populations and how federal policies have impacted sexual violence in corrections. Specifically, you will discuss the prison conditions referenced by President Obama, how these conditions contribute to sexual violence for men, women, and LGBTQ individuals, and examine federal policies aimed at improving these conditions.
Paper For Above instruction
During his 2015 NAACP Conference speech, President Barack Obama highlighted the urgent need to address deplorable prison conditions, emphasizing that such conditions are incompatible with civilized standards. These conditions encompass overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, lack of access to rehabilitation programs, and environments that foster violence and exploitation. Overcrowded prisons, in particular, exacerbate tensions and create an environment where sexual violence can flourish, especially for vulnerable populations such as women, LGBTQ individuals, and those at risk of exploitation. Men, often housed in overcrowded and violent environments, may be subjected to coercive behaviors, but women, frequently housed separately but in similarly poor conditions, face the risk of sexual harassment and assault. LGBTQ individuals are especially vulnerable due to discriminatory policies and the stigmatization of their identities, which heightens their exposure to violence and victimization.
Federal policies such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 were established to combat these issues. PREA specifically aims to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse within correctional facilities. The policy mandates regular screening, staff training, and transparent reporting mechanisms, which are designed to create safer environments for all inmates. For women and LGBTQ individuals, PREA’s protective measures are crucial in addressing their heightened risk of sexual violence. These policies promote better management practices, improved supervision, and specialized accommodations that help reduce overcrowding and improve safety conditions. Ultimately, federal initiatives like PREA contribute to reforming prison environments, making them more humane and less conducive to violence and abuse, thereby fostering a more equitable and secure correctional system for all inmates.
References
- Belknap, J. (2015). The Invisible Woman: Gender, Crime, and Justice. Oxford University Press.
- Greenfeld, L. A., & Smith, C. (2003). Women Offenders. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
- Hensley, C. (2015). Women and the criminal justice system. Treating Women Offenders, 15, 107–135.
- Lynch, M. (2010). The Prison Rape Elimination Act: Myths and Realities. Corrections Today, 72(4), 36–41.
- National Institute of Corrections. (2016). Gender-Responsive Strategies Supporting Female Offenders.
- Potler, M. (2014). Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Inmates. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 20(4), 307–316.
- Primeau, J., & Staines, R. (2014). The Impact of Federal Policies on Prison Conditions. Justice Quarterly, 31(6), 1018–1040.
- Travis, J., & Waul, M. (2003). Prisoners Once Removed: The Impact of Incarceration and Reentry on Children, Families, and Communities. The Urban Institute.
- United States Department of Justice. (2014). The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA): An Overview. DOJ.
- Welsh, B. C., & Little, K. (2017). Gender Differences in Correctional Environments and Outcomes. Crime & Delinquency, 63(8), 1093–1114.