[Mr. Jeeves]

I think they should attempt to establish order in prison and try to reduce rape but it does serve as a form of deterrance.

It has been established that prison rape turns non-violent offenders into violent, vengeful rapists of women when they get out. Having been hurt and humiliated, they seek to reestablish their manhood by violently abusing someone else. Any minimal "deterrence" it offers is not worth the cost to society.

[plain talk]

Two points:
1. we should try to reduce prison rape for the reasons you stated and for humane reasons
2. but it does serve a useful purpose as a deterrance. Fear of rape is probably the number one fear someone has of going to prison.