It can be argued that girls have a tougher time in jails and prisons than males. There are numerous correctional officers that feel the need to show their dominance and power over inmates.
Take, for instance, the below video on YouTube which shows a teen girl in jail in King County, Washington. The abusive deputy was caught on tape. (Press the Play button even if you don't see the video screen.)
The surveillance video shows the deputy kicking a young girl, slamming her to the cell floor and striking her repeatedly. The deputy grabs her by the hair to take her out of the room.
The deputy pled not guilty in the case. (Feb. 27, 2009)
Teen girl talks about jail-cell beating.
Update on case (July 2010): Deputy gets away with abusive behavior.