*(OP-ED). This opinion is inspired by the recent sucker punch of Perryville inmates by the Federal Government. The sudden removal of privacy curtains in the shower.

In a dorm setting such as Rosa, Piestawa, and Carlos, the only thing that separates the eyes of male guards and nude women are one, very thin, cloth curtain. Normally, the female population is very subdued when faced with new policy, but the yells and screams were heard this time as the main curtain was ripped away.

I spoke with a mental health counselor the day after this happened, and she said by the time the 4th lady came to her for an emergency session….about the same topic…she called for a special meeting at Complex. According to DOC’s own statistics, 86% of female inmates have been subjected to sexual or physical abuse.

Why would government spring this on the ladies without warning? As I write this, there have been recent developments about a new curtain that is transparent top and bottom, but allegedly covers the middle. Why weren’t these employed immediately after taking down the curtains?

The government never THINKS about the women, in anything, let alone incarceration facilities.