Gov. Bush has already increased funding for drug treatment in Texas prisons by almost 50 percent since he's been in office, but clearly, most states need to do more to combat drug use in prison. It's not enough to lock up criminals and keep them behind bars for longer periods. And most prisons are anything but that today. In all too many prisons, inmates have relatively easy access to drugs, and violence and intimidation among prisoners are a way of life. While estimates of the number of rapes committed in prison are difficult to obtain, since most victims remain silent in fear or humiliation, one academic study of prison rapes in a medium-security facility in California suggests that some 14 percent of all male prisoners are raped during their incarceration.
Prison rape is a national disgrace.
Americans have a right to be safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods. But one of the keys to reducing crime is not only to rid our streets of criminals, but to rid our prisons of the crimes committed there. Would you like to see them add this columnist to their newspaper. Use this form to find your local paper's email address and recommend this columnist. Member Groups Accuracy in Academia Accuracy in Media Acton Institute Association of Christian Schools American Conservative Union American Family Association Amer.