The National Association for Female Correctional Officers and Britton both agree that reform is yet to come to the prison system that would permit that female officers to work in conditions that are acceptable and less deplorable. They are fighting towards eliminating rape and sexual harassment of female corrections officers while on duty. With their proposed legislation they intend to establish a zero-tolerance policy so that every assault on a female officer is prosecuted and with that increase the accountability of prison officials who fail to detect, prevent, reduce and punish those assaults on female prison guards. It is unfortunate that a female officer has to fight for such protection because if it is likely a man that is in charge of the prison and if the man is viewed as a natural protective figure, one would think that he would be doing more to protect his female co-worker (and in some cases they do) but we are seeing that this is not always the case. Instead male officers and officials hold the belief that the risk of sexual assault and harassment comes with the territory of working in the prison and if women are choosing to work there anyway despite what is involved then it is “her” choice. Besides, because male officers encounter those issues less, they cannot understand how it is a problem.
We have to keep in mind that it is wage discrimination that forced these women to seek jobs as corrections officers as they are more higher paying than the average clerical job. Many single working moms take on these jobs because they need to support a family on a livable wage. Unfortunately, what could have been an opportunity for a career with potential advancement also turns out to be disappointing because women are often overlooked for managerial and supervisory roles due to their familial obligations. The problems facing female officers are abundant and there is no question that reform is necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment