Seattle University Collaborative Projects - International Academy of ...

Sexual Abuse of GLBT Inmates Seen as Norm in the Prison SettingJohn Reeves, Illinois Department of Corrections, Springfield, USA (jrrdjl@mchsi.com)Even with the implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 in the United States,there is serious concern that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender inmates continue toexperience sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Oftentimes this comes as a norm of prison lifedue to lack of tolerance and religious beliefs that are brought to the work place by the staffmembers and lack of tolerance, gang related abuse mentality and a view that homosexuals aresexual objects by the prison inmates. Members of the GLBT community in prison are seen as thelowest of the low and therefore become the object of ridicule and abuse. It is reported that prisonstaff frequently do not stop or report this kind of abuse of GLBT inmates because it is perceivedthe GLBT inmates deserves that kind of treatment. There is evidence that GLBT prisoners arestill sexually victimized, either by force or coercion, into unwanted sexual activity, often forprotection, safety or to satisfy the needs of other inmates or staff. This presentation will highlightthat much work yet needs to be accomplished in order to provide GLBT inmates the same safetyand security afforded other inmates. Even with the implementation of the Prison RapeElimination Act of 2003 there continue to be serious issues of GLBT inmates being sexuallyabused by other inmates and staff.Balancing Dual Roles in a Corrections FacilityAngela M. Cowell, Illinois Department of Corrections, Springfield, USA(angelastanning@yahoo.com)This presentation deals with dual role functions within the corrections system, one of these rolesbeing a Correctional Officer in a maximum security prison, where the emphasis is on security.The other role is a Mental Health Professional in a medium security prison where the emphasis isplaced on improving psychological growth of offenders to achieve better reintegration intosociety. While each role has distinct job descriptions and functions this author plans to articulatethe distinct advantages based on the additional qualifications she possesses. There will also bediscussion of potential barriers to smooth functioning based on gender as nearly 90% of securitystaff are males, however a majority of the mental health staff are females.34. Crime and Psychotic Spectrum Disorders in GreeceCriminal Responsibility in Ancient GreeceGeorge Tzeferakos, Athens University (tzefgr@yahoo.gr)85