News
One in ten children in juvenile facilities report sexual abuse by staff in the United States
15 Feb 2010 | Moderator | News - Page 1
The Human Rights Watch has condemned the high levels of sexual abuse of confined youths in the United States. New government data suggesting high levels of sexual abuse should galvanise the Department of Justice to swiftly issue national standards to end prison rape, said the Human Rights Watch reacting to the findings of the National Survey of Youth in Custody.
The study, first of its kind was released by the Federal Bureau of Justice. Statistics show that 1 in 10 youth in state juvenile facilities and large non-state facilities reported sexual victimisation by staff in the previous twelve months. Another 2.6 per cent reported sexual victimisation at the hands of other youth. Youth who are not heterosexual are at particular risk: One in five reported sexual abuse by staff or other youth. In the very worst facilities, 20 to more than 30 per cent of all youth reported abuse.
This is not the first document that testifies the apathetic state of affairs in the detention centers. Six months ago, the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission, created by the National Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), released a report documenting the nature, causes, and prevalence of rape in adult and juvenile detention facilities. Based on extensive research and consultations with corrections experts and other stakeholders across the country, the Commission proposed comprehensive, effective standards for the prevention, detection, and punishment of prison rape. Areas covered by the commission's proposed standards included: supervision; screening for vulnerability to abuse; medical and mental health services; reporting mechanisms; investigations; staff training; administrative sanctions; internal monitoring; and external audits.
Youths at risk of sexual abuse in confined settings such as correctional centers become increasingly susceptible to HIV/AIDS. Lack of regular screening further worsens the situation implying spread of the infection at an even faster rate. The government needs to put its act together soon to prevent such risks to assume alarming proportions.
Comments
TCB India says:
16 February 2010
Is it youth or children facing sexual abuse in prisons? Both groups would require different approaches as children are more vulnerable.
Pankaj Anand says:
16 February 2010
This survey is definitely not the only piece of evidence that brings to light the state of affairs in US prisons. There is enough and more documents that are indicative of the potent dangers of high levels of sexual abuse in prisons in US. I think that perhaps a stronger and concerted advocacy agenda by all Human Rights groups in US can help propel a stronger and proactive response from the Department of Justice.
Pankaj Anand says:
17 February 2010
This report talks about sexual abuse faced by youth in US. There are studies and news reports that highlight that children are sexually abused in juvenile homes and other institutional settings in South Asia and other geographies as well.
All said, I entirely agree with your arguement that children are more vulnerable and therefore would require different approaches.