Stop Prisoner Rape "Drug War Focus"

I have often wondered how many drug war prisoners are raped while behind bars. The reality of such a thing occurred to me almost as soon as I entered drug policy reform and I often bring up that topic in my speeches. I find the thought of it hasn't occurred to most people on either side of the debate.

I am very happy to see that Stop Prisoner Rape has decided to cover this issue.

The following is from Pete Guither at
DrugWarRant

Stop Prisoner Rape

I received a note from Andrea Cavanaugh, the public outreach associate for Stop Prisoner Rape, a national human rights organization.

Stories from Inside

SPR is launching a groundbreaking new project built around firsthand accounts of sexual assaults against inmates held on drug charges.

Stories from Inside will examine how the "war on drugs" and three-strikes laws have exacerbated prison overcrowding and led to a dramatic increase in prisoner rape. When it is released to the public, the project will help shatter stereotypes about prisoner rape and the commonly held perception that drug defendants "get what they deserve" while in custody.

SPR is seeking non-violent drug offenders who are survivors of prisoner rape and who are willing to participate in the project.

If you are willing to participate, contact Andrea.

For more background, please read this feature at the Drug War Chronicle. It's an eye-opener.

And remember (paraphrasing William F. Buckley): Even if one takes every allegation of the prohibitionists at face value, drug prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than drugs ever could.