Ontario corrections has recently been plagued by allegations of gender-based discrimination and harassment, particularly with respect to female guards in prisons for men, where women now account for over 20 per cent of the workforce. This book presents two case studies, the first of a training centre for correctional staff, and the second of a jail. Women's experiences of discrimination and harassment are extensively documented, with an emphasis on the systemic aspects of related problems.

The book also documents management's lack of success in redressing discrimination and harassment, and how its focus on operational rather than policy matters contributed to this.