And California is considered by many as the most civilized state of the union. To Die in New York will counsel prisoners wishing to take their own lives. In jails and prisons remains an issue shadowed in fear and embarrassment. It Is a grim reality that causes uncomfortable silence among prison administrators and politicians. The subject, too intimidating, is refused the honest airing It desperately needs.
Rape exists In most jails, reformatories and prisons.
It has devastating effects on the participants. Nor is it unrelated to violent street crimes. The disgrace of being sexually victimized creates a Catch-22 blueprint that prison officials, by silence or ignorance, permit to continue. A recent rash of suicide attempts by New York City Prisoners evoked local concern and calls for Investigations. Dear Tom, I realize the statistics I gathered via telephone with state corrections agencies weren't specifically listed in my story.