I’m not trying to say that Soap Operas are the greatest form of art in the world. However, this episode looks at a number of complicated issues around abuse and violence. One that I am particularly interested in regards sexual violence in prison. The character, Michael, describes his assault by a prisoner to a friend who he is fortunate enough to now be locked up with. It begins with a story about a “big guard Frank” who threatens an intimidates Michael. A prisoner, Carter, then provides a distraction that allows Michael to get away from Frank. Later Carter tells Michael that he “owes” him. When Michael fights back and resists Carter simply gets more mad and comes back to the cell after lock down and gets in (one would assume with the help of a guard, likely Frank) and then Michael describes defending himself against Carter before being subdued. He ends the story by saying he nearly blacks out and Carter gets away… but one can assume from the way he tells the story that he was likely further assaulted, possibly raped, and like many survivors of sexual violence in prison he is only able to talk about part of the story.

I am incredibly impressed by General Hospitals ability to tackle this complicated issue. While 60% of reported sexual assaults involve guards assaulting prisoners, I think this story line shows the deep complications of how sexual violence works within the prison system. I hope as the story line goes on they are able to go deeper. I also know that when I was locked up there were lots of guys who sat around and watched soaps all day, so hopefully they are getting a chance to see this and have their own experiences validated while also raising awareness that sexual violence in prison is a real issue worthy of discussion in mainstream media.

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