Sexual Assault in Correctional Institutions - Prevention and Intervention (From Victims of Sexual Aggression - Treatment of Children, Women, and Men, P 127-155, 1984, Irving R Stuart and Joanne G Greer, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 96647
• Author(s): D J Cotton; A N Groth
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): 80-IJ-CX-0008 (D/L)
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: Van Nostrand Reinhold
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Expanded version of a paper entitled 'Inmate Rape - Prevention and Intervention' which appeared in The Journal of Prison and Jail Health, V 2, N 1, Spring/Summer 1982.

Annotation

An examination of the dynamics of sexual assault among male inmates indicates that the act constitutes the sexual expression of aggression. The institution's response to the assault must provide prevention, intervention, and prosecution. A protocol developed for San Francisco county jails (California) standardizes procedures for helping inmate victims and for investigating and prosecuting the offense.

Abstract

Male rape is psychologically devastating to the victim, and victim reaction suggests trauma similar to female victims of sexual assault. The assault devalues two primary sources of male identity: sexuality and aggression. Inmate victims suffer additional trauma since they are confined to the same institution as their offenders. In addition, these victims have no good options in responding to sexual attack. If they fight back, they risk greater physical injury; if they submit, they may be labeled as vulnerable; if they go into protective segregation, they cut themselves off from many inmate programs and services. Keeping silent increases the chance of long-term traumatization. Correctional institutions have a responsibility in sexual assault situations. They must train their personnel in identifying, treating, and preventing the sexual abuse of inmates. The San Francisco protocol for providing crisis intervention services to male victims of sexual assault recognizes this responsibility and outlines procedures to be used when an assault is discovered. The protocol covers the preliminary medical assessment in the jail, medical transfers for examination and treatment, followup in the jail, and postrelease referral. The protocol identifies and addresses victims' medical, psychological, legal, and social needs, as well as their needs for protection. A flow chart depicting the protocol's steps in assault intervention and investigation are supplied. Seven notes are included.