Model-Based Estimates of HIV Acquisition Due to Prison Rape

• NCJ Number: 219902
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: 87 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 295-310
• Author(s): Steven D. Pinkerton; Carol L. Galletly; David W. Seal
• Date Published: September 2007
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01-MH72474; R21-MH073495; K02-MH01919; P30-MH52776
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the development of a mathematical model of HIV transmission to estimate the likelihood that an incarcerated man would acquire HIV as a result of prison rape and provides preliminary estimates of the number of men in United States prisons who acquire HIV in this manner.

Abstract

Results suggest that between 43 and 93 of incarcerated men already have or will acquire HIV as a result of being raped in prison. The results of this analysis are cause for concern. The results suggest that significant policy and structural initiatives will be needed to achieve the “zero tolerance” objective of the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Nearly 1.4 million men are incarcerated in Federal and State prisons in the United States. These men are disproportionately affected by HIV in comparison with the at-large male population. The elevated prevalence of HIV infection in United States prisons has raised concerns over the potential for intraprison HIV transmission due to rape and other forms of sexual victimization. However, the number of men who acquire HIV after being raped in United States prisons is not known. This article provides preliminary estimates of the risk of HIV acquisition due to male-male rape in prison. References