Report on Rape in Jails in the U.S. Based on Public Hearings and Review of Documentary Evidence by The Review Panel On Prison Rape

• NCJ Number: 235030
• Author(s): Steven T. McFarland; Carroll Ann Ellis; Gwendolyn Chunn
• Date Published: December 2008
• Length: 33 pages
• Corporate Author: Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on public hearings and a review of documentary evidence by the Review Panel on Prison Rape, this report identifies common characteristics of the victims and perpetrators of rape in Federal and State prisons, as well as local jails and juvenile facilities.

Abstract

Identified common characteristics of victims of inmate-on-inmate rape are being young or youthful in appearance; smaller stature/build and possibly physical disability; past victim of sexual assault; first incarceration or first time in a particular facility; homosexual or transgender; mental illness, learning disability, or lower I.Q.; low self-confidence or projection of fearfulness and passivity; no gang affiliation; and a criminal history of prostitution or sex offense or less serious crime. Common characteristics of victims in staff-on-inmate sexual victimization are self-confidence; habitual, "street smart" offender; and serving a longer term. Identified common characteristics of inmate perpetrators of the rape of other inmates are larger stature/build; past victim of sexual assault; experienced repeat offender; history of violence, including sexual assault; creditor of the victim (extortioner); desire for power/control; verbal, aggressive, extroverted; extreme self confidence; manipulative, using knowledge of psychology; serving a longer term; gang affiliation; and mentally challenged. Identified common characteristics of staff perpetrators of jail rapes are low self-esteem, insecurity, and depression; family relational problems; financial problems; knew the inmate victim prior to incarceration; desire for power/control; excessive interest in the inmate's case (feels sorry); romantically attracted to inmate (more likely for female officers); and previously smuggled contraband to the extorting inmate victim. The report also lists the common characteristic of jail systems with a high or low prevalence of sexual assault, as well as the unique characteristics of jails with a high prevalence of rape. Best practices for lessening the risk of rape in U.S. jails are also listed. 144 notes