>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Women in Corrections and the ##metoo Movement
By Dr. Susan Jones
Published: 06/03/2019

Femaleofficer The ##metoo movement has spread across the country and has been a rallying cry for many people in a variety of workplaces. However, the corrections work environment has been unusually quiet during this movement. I have not seen a single female corrections officers on national media talking about the work environment within prisons in this country. I had to ask myself why?

One option is that sexual harassment doesn’t occur within correctional facilities. I really hoped that this would be the “right” answer, but any review of pending litigation shows that is not the case. The news media and social media are filled with corrections stories regarding issues that continue to occur in what many people call a very sexualized environment.

These stories describe incidents of sexual harassment from supervisors who wield power over an individual’s post and shift assignments. The most basic type of sexual harassment, “quid pro quo” is still alive and well in this business. Stories are also abundant when corrections employees talk about their co-workers and the types of “hostile” environments that are created when female staff don’t fit in to this work or adapt to the work in the manner expected. Last, but not least, is the harassment from non-employees. In corrections, that includes harassment from inmates toward staff. Many times, this type of harassment is described in incidents where inmate expose themselves toward staff in an attempt to harass and intimidate them.

So, if sexual harassment is alive and kicking within corrections facilities, why did the ##metoo movement pass it by? If corrections employees are being subjected to harassment, regularly then why are they not joining in the movement and taking the opportunity to give voice to this issue? I have talked to many female corrections employees in this country and asked them these specific questions and the answers I receive are very similar. It is about the “victim” label.

Many sexual harassment curriculums use the labels of harasser and victim. When an employee makes a complaint about sexual harassment, they have to admit that they have been victimized. The victim is often described as someone who has less power than the harasser. Consequently, in a work environment where showing vulnerability is consistently discouraged, few people step up to the plate and admit that they have been preyed upon.

Of course, this type of reluctance can be found in other work environments but the stakes are different. When a corrections employee identifies as a victim, their ability to do the job is called into question. When the rumor mill extends this information to inmates, then their ability to manage inmates can be affected. This type of label requires corrections employees to let down their shield of confidence, command presence, and strength, to reveal that they have been hurt.

When I have talked to female corrections employees who have made complaints of sexual harassment, they talk about the many or constant issues they endured before they were willing to ask for help. I have not ever talked to a female officer who brought a sexual harassment complaint the first time “it” occurred. Many of these individuals filed complaints on their way out of corrections. Some never said anything until they had a different job or had moved to another location.

Complaining about sexually harassing or abusive actions from supervisors and co-workers is difficult, but when female staff are subjected to the sexually harassing or abusive actions from inmates, the stakes are even higher. If an agency has a firm policy and procedure in place to deal with this type of inmate behavior and all employees are encouraged and supported to hold inmates accountable for these types of actions, then the behavior is nothing more than one more management issue. However, when employees are not working in an agency that is committed to holding inmates accountable for this type of behavior, the likelihood of an employee reporting this behavior decreases. In fact, in such an environment these incidents are not usually labeled as sexually abusive/harassing actions and are often ignored and seen as “just part of the job.”

Therefore, when an employee steps forward to make a complaint about the lack of support to stop this particular type of sexual harassment it is often only done after many incidents have been endured and many informal avenues have been exhausted. When this type of complaint is lodged, the individual employee is aware of the vulnerability that they are showing and the risks involved in this type of declaration.

One female employee told me that this type of inmate behavior is not sexual harassment because she is not a victim. The power of the label in this statement is incredible.

So, as the ##metoo movement passed by and ignored the corrections work environment? If so, does that mean that sexual harassment does not occur in corrections facilities? Or is the real issue that corrections employees are not empowered and supported enough to take this opportunity to use their voice to complain? Is it time that we acknowledge that integrating females into the corrections workforce means more than just hiring women and expecting that they will fit into the work environment?

Just because corrections “dodged the bullet” of the #metoo movement, doesn’t mean there is no work to do.

Dr. Susan Jones retired from a warden’s position within the Colorado Department of Corrections. She worked in a variety of corrections positions in Colorado for 31 years, including: community corrections, correctional officer, sergeant, lieutenant, manager, associate warden and warden. Dr. Jones research interests have focused on the issues that correctional employees face on a daily basis. Visit Dr. Jones's Facebook page "A Glimpse Behind the Fence".


Comments:

  1. jahangirkhatri on 05/01/2020:

    i was analyzing a number of your content material harshly this website and that i conceive this net web page is in reality informative ! hold whilst inspiration to setting happening. seo company los angeles

  2. lita7 on 04/24/2020:

    Glad to see this kind of brilliant informative post, and this is the post I have seen today. Yosoo-Health-Gear Promo Codes

  3. jahangirkhatri on 02/15/2020:

    terrific job for publishing this sort of useful web website. Your net log isnt without assist useful however it's far moreover in truth creative too. 澳洲论文代写

  4. jahangirkhatri on 01/19/2020:

    this is a pleasant kingdom. This claim offers in reality environment opinion. Im actually going to look into it. surely notably beneficial tips are furnished here. thanks consequently a great deal. hold going on the amenable works. cbd gummies

  5. isha love on 01/14/2020:

    Muskan Sanj, Bangalore escorts 23
    Bangalore escorts
    We build trust bridge between Bangalore escorts and you.

    If you want to meet a lady who enchants you with her angelic character and feminine curves, then you are right with Bangalore escorts. They are attentive listener with whom you can have fun.

    Bangalore escorts will make your life as heaven on earth you have only imagined of.
    This is Muskan Sanj and by profession I am a Makeup artist. I am basically from Bangalore and I live here with my parents. I've never been into any relationship before.
    Well, I admit it I am a little old-fashioned when it comes to my dating style. I like to go for drinks and dinner on the first date. But it's all part of what makes me a gentlewoman. I am looking for someone who is always up for life's adventures but doesn’t mind staying in and watching a movie when the weather calls for it. And my dream is to be one top Bangalore escorts.


    Other than that, I try to spend as much time with my family and close friends, I go to the beach a lot, sometimes even by myself. The world is overwhelming a lot of times and I find myself to be an anxious person. I get stressed out and overwhelmed so I find it therapeutic to be at the beach.

    I believe in gender equality and want my men to believe in the same. Men and women are different for a good reason because we can complement each other, in a working or personal relationship. And this should not affect my Bangalore escorts job.

    I am seeking someone who loves adventures as I do. Someone who is not afraid of taking risks and opportunities that comes in a way. I want my first date to be like sitting at a home watching a beautiful movie with the glass of vodka would be so romantic. I am looking for a person who can be in a long term relationship with me as I am into Bangalore escort agency since a year.
    I want someone who is courageous, funny, handsome, hot and someone who knows how to make me feel special. If you want to date a beautiful girl like me then ping me.
    As a Bangalore escorts can make you feel comfortable and relaxed when you meet me. Read on to know more.
    I may not have a pretty face like most of you desire, but blessed with sexy figure, long legs with a beautiful asset and fabulous as a lover. I start my love process with a sizzling sexy dance and then coming into your arms so that you can kiss, explore and play with my body in your own way. I am an open person and can make any person comfortable through my amiable nature. With me, there more would be feeling of going out with a friend than a paid Bangalore escorts.
    I love it when you treat me as your best Bangalore escort agency, put your hands on my shoulder even share your close feelings without any hesitation. I do not like pub culture as I am not comfortable with drinking. But if you insist, I can join you there, however I seldom cross my limits while drinking. I would love to please you in best possible way I can!
    More blogs about Bangalore independent escorts, Bangalore escort services, Cheap Bangalore Escorts, Bangalore Call Girls will make your day more better.

  6. jahangirkhatri on 01/01/2020:

    splendid advice going almost to your weblog, thank you for taking the epoch to portion inside the center folks. terrific perspicacity you have in this, it is nice to find a website that information a lot intend very kind of alternating artists. What Is Panama?

  7. Roger Fox on 12/24/2019:

    remarkable article. Very mesmerizing to get your hands on into. I in direct of truth worship to gate any such approachable article. thank you! save rocking. medical assistant front office training

  8. Roger Fox on 12/19/2019:

    such as moderately priced observations here... Watch Market Online - Source to watch latest news and trends on fire

  9. Roger Fox on 12/18/2019:

    thanks consequently a good deal as you've got been willing to pension guidance taking into account us. we are able to always appreciate every and every and each one in all one one allowance of allocation of you have completed here because you've got made my take impact as clean as ABC. marble coffee table

  10. jahangirkhatri on 12/09/2019:

    Very informative claim! There is lots of insinuation right here that could formerly any scenario earnings began further to a wealthy social networking conscious up opinion. 网课代修

  11. jahangirkhatri on 12/08/2019:

    You added such an outstanding fragment to retrieve, giving completely part of allocation of situation enlightenment for us to profit opinion. thanks for sharing such suggest as soon as us because of which my several principles were cleared. 代写

  12. jahangirkhatri on 12/04/2019:

    precisely, you'with reference to definitely clean people simply comment!. Pinoy Lambingan

  13. jahangirkhatri on 11/29/2019:

    i was analyzing a number of your content material harshly this website and that i conceive this net web page is in reality informative ! hold whilst inspiration to setting happening. 메이저사이트

  14. jahangirkhatri on 11/17/2019:

    i was analyzing a number of your content material harshly this website and that i conceive this net web page is in reality informative ! hold whilst inspiration to setting happening. submit articles online for free

  15. jahangirkhatri on 11/14/2019:

    thank you tremendously a whole lot for this in your liking claim. sign makers Adelaide

  16. vishakha singh on 11/11/2019:

    After a long time, I have found something fresh here on this website and I appreciate the way you have written this article. Delhi Escorts Service

  17. vishakha singh on 11/11/2019:

    Wow! I am amazed to be a part of this amazing post and I was wondering about this for a long time. Delhi Escorts

  18. vishakha singh on 11/11/2019:

    Most of the times I have found something fresh here on this website and I wish for more in future also. Delhi Escort

  19. jahangirkhatri on 11/07/2019:

    I in searching for of reality cherished reading your weblog. It turned into each one in all dexterously authored and easy to undertand. in contrast to subsidiary blogs i have proper to use that are in intend of fact now not tht first-rate. I after that determined your posts genuinely attractive. In fact after studying, I needed to move ham it taking place it to my pal and he ejoyed it as rapidly! Continue Read

  20. jahangirkhatri on 10/25/2019:

    great .. exquisite .. sick bookmark your blog and make acknowledged you may the feeds along withIm happy to discover for that footnote many useful information here within the proclaim, we yearning feint out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. Local restaurant business directory

  21. jahangirkhatri on 10/21/2019:

    high-quality web site, where did u come happening taking into consideration the mention coarsely this posting?i've addiction in a number of the articles almost about the order of your website now, and i in reality in imitation of your fashion. thanks 1,000,000 and engross keep going on the functioning discharge loyalty. Online Freelance Essay Writers

  22. swertreslotto on 10/15/2019:

    Sweepstakes Office or PCSO has announced the official Swertres Result today

  23. jahangirkhatri on 10/08/2019:

    I essentially thanks for the critical info re this supreme difficulty and spot deal with to greater significant posts. thanks plenty for taking part in this beauty article considering me. i am appreciating it very lots! looking lecture to to different large article. accurate success to the author! all the first-class! voyance

  24. jahangirkhatri on 10/04/2019:

    awesome internet site! I cherish the way it is easy upon my eyes it's far. i am wondering how I might be notified whenever one greater screen has been made. searching out extra new updates. Have a large hours of hours of daylight hours! Bigg Boss 13 watch online

  25. jahangirkhatri on 09/26/2019:

    satisfactory pronounce! this is a intensely ardent blog that i can definitively arrive cause greater duration this yr! thanks for informative say. Lambingan

  26. jahangirkhatri on 09/01/2019:

    excellent to be travelling your blog anew, it has been months for me. properly this newsletter that i have been waited for goodbye. I dependence this text to steadfast my project inside the literary, and it has identical problem bearing in thoughts your article. thank you, fine element. Lambingan

  27. jahangirkhatri on 08/18/2019:

    다음드 thank you for the blog filled in the back of consequently many advice. stopping by your weblog helped me to collect what i was seeking out. Now my challenge has end up as available as ABC.

  28. Brielle on 07/19/2019:

    It is just happy knowing that we, women, are given recognition and are acknowledge now all over the world. :) junkyard davie fl

  29. Alenaofficial on 07/17/2019:

    SWERTRES RESULT, 2019 - swertrespcsolottoresult.com View the LATEST Swertres Result released today every 11AM, 4PM, and 9PM. Official PCSO Lotto .

  30. samuelddarden on 07/14/2019:

    A woman subjected to sexual harassment endures pressure, degradation or hostility. castle clash evolution

  31. James Brown on 07/10/2019:

    I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed reading this post. big fan, thank you! geometry dash

  32. jahangirkhatri on 07/06/2019:

    먹튀검증 A each and every one first rate blog publicize. we are in truth grateful on your blog call. you'll locate numerous techniques after traveling your say.

  33. run3 on 07/05/2019:

    Information about Movement ## metoo you share quite impressive. movement with many useful and practical activities. I appreciate this movement. Word Game

  34. jahangirkhatri on 07/04/2019:

    visit our website The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the traffic eyes. layout is beautiful clean and a enjoyable adherent without problems reached interface.

  35. jahangirkhatri on 06/28/2019:

    www.papolar.com honestly gorgeous posting! masses of useful recommendation and inspiration, each of which all of us dependence!Relay admire your energy.

  36. jahangirkhatri on 06/24/2019:

    vmate apk i was surfing the internet for recommendation and got here across your blog. i am inspired by the safety you've got in economic credit to this weblog. It indicates how ably you come occurring at the back of the cash for this difficulty.

  37. RogerLewis on 06/22/2019:

    I really enjoyed reading this post, big fan. Keep up the good work andplease tell me when can you publish more articles or where can I read more on the subject? Technology

  38. RogerLewis on 06/22/2019:

    After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article. mini paris

  39. alux on 06/22/2019:

    We are organizing an online community to elevate trusted voices on all sides so you can be fully informed. Experience the News

  40. jahangirkhatri on 06/16/2019:

    i was surfing the internet for recommendation and got here across your blog. i am inspired by the safety you've got in economic credit to this weblog. It indicates how ably you come occurring at the back of the cash for this difficulty. NZ modern casino

  41. tinku on 06/10/2019:

    Suddenly my hotmail account was not work properly I want to delete it but I face many problem to delete hotmail account . Then a blog taught me how to delete hotmail account.

  42. casseverhart13 on 06/04/2019:

    tree removal

  43. casseverhart13 on 06/04/2019:

    I think I could agree with the main ideas. I will share it with my friends..

  44. theimpossiblequiz.io on 06/03/2019:

    Very impressive at the same time, i'm going to be making - was stupendous! Thanks so much. bubble shooter


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?





correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015