NCJ Number
199240
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 299-329
Date Published
2002
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the victimization of child and juvenile inmates in South Africa.
Abstract
There are presently international minimum standards for dealing with prison conditions for children. These standards maintain that certain safeguards should be guaranteed to avoid harm to the physical and psychological well being of young inmates. This study explored the use and application of the Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and Article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in South Africa. A survey was conducted of 804 children/juveniles and 404 correctional officers. Staff and inmates of 18 facilities were questioned on issues surrounding the reason for victimization of incarcerated child inmates and interpersonal violence. Results show that inmates were most severely harmed by the threatening everyday life experiences and experiences of victimization. Interpersonal violence among young inmates resulted from a lack of care, lack of activities, the strong presence of subcultural phenomena, missing role models, and the scarcity of life necessities. The reduction of subcultural activities seemed to be an important prerequisite for the reduction of victimization. An improvement in basic living conditions might reduce subcultural activities, in particular the establishment of prison gangs. Also important were the management of the respective facility and the sufficient provision of committed staff aware of the problems and having the capacity to prevent victimization. The low quality of staff-inmate relations was based on a shortage of personnel, overcrowding, and insufficient education concerning the treatment of children. The establishment of a professional ethos and of training opportunities has a constructive effect on institutions’ everyday life and building trust. Good climate, motivation, and commitment are transmitted to other staff and to inmates. The prevention of sexual assaults by the separation of children from older inmates seems to work, but mere compliance with this principle does not guarantee protection. The use of non-custodial measures, such as early release and diversion, should be implemented more strongly for younger children. 7 figures, 11 tables, 42 notes, 41 references