Even physical forms of harm are downplayed if they have lower visibility than traditional forms of brutality and torture. This is a widespread trend especially

Even physical forms of harm are downplayed if they have lower visibility than traditional forms of brutality and torture. This is a widespread trend especially in law enforcement and justice and it extends beyond prisons. Consider waterboarding. It's a hugely traumatic experience, and undoubtedly a form of torture, but because it doesn't leave bruises or break bones it is tolerated and accepted. Consider tasers and pepper spray (OC). Again, they cause pain or muscle spasms, but they don't break bones or cause bleeding or bruising so their use is tolerated at thresholds far below what would be allowed to bring about the use of physical force, even for use in restraining someone. Being pepper sprayed in the face and eyes is every bit as traumatic and physically violent as being slapped or punched, yet pepper spray is frequently used by the police in situations where physical force would be considered police brutality. The same goes for tasers.