M.R. was violently raped and beaten several times over a period of several months by the same prisoner. Fearful for his life, he reported the abuse to the prison authorities, but found no protection. Finally one day the rapist showed up in M.R.'s housing area and attacked M.R. again. Notwithstanding the extreme violence of the attack, and despite M.R.'s best efforts to press charges, the rapist was never criminally prosecuted. Several prisoners with whom Human Rights Watch is in contact believe that they have contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, through forced sexual intercourse in prison.
Prison rape is part of the mythology of prison life.
The report includes extensive recommendations to federal and state authorities, urging them to step up their efforts to address this gross violation of human dignity.