A 2021 Country Report on Human Rights Practices via the U.S. Department of State was conducted on the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and details reports of abuse and poor living conditions inside the facility. While there are no reported cases involving the arbitrary deprivation of life, political killings, or disappearances, there are reports of cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners.
Notably, a prisoner was hospitalized after being brutalized by a correctional officer, and there are four cases of reported physical abuse. There have also been several rape investigations resulting in the discharge of the involved officers (per U.S. Department of State). The prison's living conditions were also reported as abysmal, with overcrowding, poor medical care, inadequate nutrition, and unsanitary living quarters. According to Reuters, prisoners often deal with a lack of proper toilets and rodent infestations.
The Bahamian Commissioner of Correctional Services, Doan Cleare, said in a statement that renovations to the prison are alleviating the known issues. "The facilities, most of them, have been renovated. We have one more to go, and we don't have any issues with rodents," it read (via Reuters).
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
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