NCJ Number
195754
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
In this chapter, a review of the literature is conducted associated with correctional officers and male rape in prison focusing on the influence of correctional officers on the reporting practices of inmate victims.
Abstract
Previous research has indicated that correctional officers, much like police officers, may affect the reporting practices of inmate victims. When officers appear to facilitate stigmatization of victims or their actions facilitate victimization, they then appear to be part of the problem. This chapter examines the research and literature on male rape in prisons with a concentrated look into the responses by correctional officers, officers’ definitions of rape, their attitudes toward victims, and the impact of belief systems on an officer’s understanding of prison rape. The research on rape operates on the assumption that rape in prison is somehow significantly different from the rape of women in the community, even though the evidence suggests conceptual links. Studies have shown that officers have difficulty in differentiating between consensual sexuality and rape; difficulty in differentiating between homosexuality, prostitution, and rape; and they tend to equate victimization with weakness. Correctional officers are seen as uncomfortable or unwilling to take a proactive response suggesting they are at least part of the problem. There is the need for better administrative responses and increased training for officers. As long as there is a social structure that continues to blame female victims for precipitating their victimization, any effort to respond to male rape victims in prison will be hindered. In addition, as long as society continues to believe that harsh punishment is appropriate for all offenders, change will be difficult. References