NCJ Number
173598
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 78 Issue: 1 Dated: March 1998 Pages: 55-73
Date Published
1998
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study describes and assesses the victimization experiences of youthful inmates in a medium-security prison.
Abstract
The study explored the relationship between victimization and related institutional, social, psychological, and individual variables. More specifically, the study focused on the relationship between victimization, fear of victimization, prison stresses, demographic variables, correctional experience, and social support. Victimization experiences were measured by a 14- item scale. Findings show that youthful inmates were most often the victims of verbal harassment and property theft. Conversely, few inmates reported having been sexually assaulted, extorted for money, or had weapons used against them. Generally, victims were more likely than nonvictims to be white, have higher levels of fear, experience more severely the "pains" of imprisonment, and be less psychologically healthy. 9 tables, 4 notes, 48 references, and appended study instruments