Darlene Baugh on “Women’s Safety in Prison”
In her engaging and informative presentation on “Women’s Safety in Prison” (Saturday, February 4, 2019 at the Simms Center), Darlene Baugh provided a history of the incarceration of women in U.S. prisons, an overview of the physical and mental health issues that beset female inmates, and the danger that sexual violence poses for women while imprisoned. Darlene, who has had more than 35 years’ experience as a Deputy Warden in the Iowa penal system, also discussed her present role as a consultant who evaluates adherence by correctional institutions to the provisions of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
In previous centuries, female and male prisoners were housed together, with sexual attacks on women quite common. The late 18th century saw the beginning of separate housing for men and women, first in separate quarters in the same building, then to separate and fortress-like buildings, and, in the late 19th century, to institutions specifically built for women. The goal of imprisonment has always been punishment for crimes committed, but it has included indoctrination of women into traditional roles. At present, educational courses, psychological counseling and re-entry programs are made available to women inmates.
Statistically, 1/3 of female inmates worldwide are in the U.S. In 2013 the number of female vs male prisoners was 213,700 vs 2.5 million. The number of women is rising, with Hispanic women incarcerated at twice the rate of Caucasian women; African-American women are incarcerated at four times the rate of Caucasian women. Increased incidents of violation of drug laws and the severity of offences of all types account for higher numbers of women in prison. Of these only 2% have been or are on death row, usually because of murder convictions. Ethel Rosenberg was a notable exception—her crime was espionage.
Many inmates, men and women, suffer mental health issues; and many experienced sexual, emotional, or psychological trauma in their youths. Women particularly manifest mood and anxiety disorders, not substance abuse or antisocial personalities. While women may seek out counseling, only ¼ of those who do follow through and get treatment.
In 2001, the Human Rights Watch estimated that of the women inmates in prison at that time, 140,000 (if not more) had been raped. Consequently, on Sept. 4, 2003 President Bush signed “PREA” into law, which specifically addressed prisoner rape and harassment and called for development of guidelines and standards. It also provided for a review panel to hold annual hearings and allocated grants to states in order to prevent, detect, and respond more effectively to this problem. The goal is zero tolerance of sexual abuse and sexual harassment, whether it is inmate against inmate or staff against inmate. It also provides for protection of abused inmates from contact with abusers, retaliation by abusers, and, in some cases, protective custody. And it provides access to emergency and ongoing medical and mental health care for abuse victims and abusers. Disciplinary sanctions are imposed equally on staff and inmates abusers.
PREA covers federal, public and private prisons, jails, lock-up, community corrections, half-way houses and juvenile facilities. All are required to be reviewed every 3 years. As a consultant for the Department of Justice Darlene performs a pre-audit of all related documentation, then conducts an on-site visit of the correctional facility, which may last anywhere from 2 days to a week. In all, the total time she spends doing the review can take 2 to 3 months. If issues are found, the facility must meet compliance within 180 days.
Summary submitted by: Sylvia Rogers
Members present: Darlene Baugh, Mary Perramond, Shirley Vasy, Marilyn Brook, Michele Thomas, Sue Gier, Laura Zarrugh, Sandra Stroud, Jane Bowers, Nancy Martin-Finks, Marty Brown, Susan Wheaton, Sylvia Rogers.