NCJ Number
211984
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2005 Pages: 1-5,42,44
Date Published
September 2005
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents research findings on prison rape and offers recommendations for prevention.
Abstract
In comparison to research in other areas of violence, little is known about prison rape and correctional prevention programs and strategies to prevent prison rape are practically nonexistent. Problems such as overcrowding, under staffing, and poor correctional facility planning contributes to the prevalence of sexual misconduct. In response, the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to increase knowledge about the prevalence and prevention of rape in prisons and jails. Research findings on the prevalence of coercive sexual behavior in correctional facilities vary widely and indicate that between 1 percent to 12 percent of inmates become victims of rape while incarcerated. Characteristics of victims and perpetrators are described, followed by findings on the locations and timing of assaults, reporting rates, staff attitudes, and the consequences of rape for inmate victims. Recommendations are offered for managing the risk posed by prison rape; these include the recommendations to develop a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct that specifies how sexual misconduct by inmates and staff will be handled, implement specialized training for staff responsible for conducting investigations of prison rape, and provide inmate training on sexual misconduct policies. Endnotes, references