What happens in prison showers?

Inmates wash themselves.

Contrary to popular public perception, the shower rapes that occur in movies, TV series like Oz, and in books are largely myth. The incidence of prison rapes are fewer than 1 in 1,000, and oddly enough, about 65% of these are perpetrated by prison staff on other prison staff and inmates. Of all sexual assaults in prison, about 89% are perpetrated against female inmates. At least in the US.

While it happens, it is far more rare than most people think. Unfortunately for apparent general public desire, there is no "Welcome Wagon" named "Bubba" ready to violate all young, white, new inmates.

For further information and the most current statistics, visit the Department of Justice Bureau of Statistics site.