NCJ Number
91663
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring/Summer 1983) Pages: 73-79
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examines the nature, extent, and consequences of homosexual harassment in prisons.
Abstract
Sexual harassment, i.e., sexual approaches perceived as offensive by their targets, has been shown by empirical studies to be a more significant problem in prisons than sexual assault. Some of the myths associated with sexual behavior in prison include (1) the view that sexual aggressors generally succeed in gaining submission from their targets, (2) the belief that victims of sexual harassment are so embittered by their experience that they engage in violent behavior upon release, and (3) the belief that targets of sexual harassment in prison are primarily child molesters and other 'low status' offenders. None of the above views have been established by empirical evidence. What has been substantiated by empirical studies is that sexual harassment produces fear and anxiety in the target, which is sustained by the inability of the targets to avoid the presence of the aggressors. Anger is also a common reaction of targets, which can result in explosive reactions or if suppressed can contribute to tension and anxiety. Targets also tend to become suspicious and emotionally isolated. Sexual aggression can also contribute to racial polarity, as whites band together out of fear of black aggressors. Some approaches for addressing the problem of sexual harassment are advising inmates about the avoidance of mannerisms and dress that may attract aggressors, mounting programs that may change the sexual values and attitudes of inmates, and applying notions of the therapeutic community applied to situational dynamics. Also, prison sexual violence should be viewed as a manifestation of more general forces in society; progress toward understanding and correcting violence should assist in a more thorough understanding of prison victimization. Six bibliographic entries are provided.