Prison Work Assignments Lure Female Inmates into Sexual Abuse as Guards Often Escape Accountability
Allegations of sexual abuse by correctional staff in prisons across the US have surged in recent years, with guards allegedly using work tasks to lure female inmates to isolated areas. Despite hundreds of reports, those accused often face minimal or no reprisal. Attorney Michael Woelfel, who has helped settle 127 abuse cases in West Virginia, claims cries for justice often fall on deaf ears due to societal attitudes towards female criminals. Laws vary drastically between states, and in some places accused parties can’t be criminally charged if they’ve been compelled to speak about their actions. Furthermore, guards accused of misconduct can often retire, resign, or move facilities before investigations are completed.
John Q. Hosedrinker