NCJ Number
92865
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 47 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1983) Pages: 31-36
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Using interviews with a representative sample of Federal inmates, this study examines the extent of homosexual activity in Federal prisons, sex acts and sexual identity, problem behaviors associated with homosexual activity, and sexual aggression.
Abstract
A total of 330 male inmates were selected randomly from the entire Federal inmate population. The survey contained questions considered germane to understanding the causes of sexual aggression and homosexual activity in Federal prisons. Among the sample, 28 percent stated they had had a homosexual experience at some time in their lives, with 25 percent reporting such experiences as adults. Overall, 12 percent reported a homosexual experience in the institution in which they were currently residing. Of those reporting homosexual experiences, many more had been inserters rather than insertees with respect to the homosexual acts of fellatio and anal intercourse. Twenty-nine percent of the subjects had been propositioned in their current institutions; however, only 7 percent were 'seduced' by inmates bearing gifts or offering favors. Two percent of the sample had taken money for performing sex. Only 1 percent stated that they had performed sex to protect themselves from other prisoners. Sexual aggression was recorded if a subject reported force being used to commit or attempt to commit a sex act with the subject. Two percent reported being targets of such aggression. The circumstances involved in being such a target are listed. The second part of the study, to be reported in the next issue of 'Federal Probation' (March 1984), will report the criminal and social profiles of the subjects, describe the results of a survey of correctional officers working in the same prisons as the subjects, and discuss various strategies for reducing inmate homosexual activity. Seven bibliographic listings are provided.