The imbalance of power between inmates and guards involves the use of direct physical force and indirect force based on the prisoners' total dependency on officers for basic necessities and the guards' ability to withhold privileges. The officer is in complete charge of a prisoner's well-being. Some women are coerced into sex for favors or to avoid punishment. Others willingly use sex for favors, and when they try to end these inappropriate relationships, they suffer retaliation. To protect women inmates, sexual contact between them and male correctional officials should be criminalized and "consent" must not be allowed as a defense.