NCJ Number
202914
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: 2003 Pages: 77-87
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone
Date Published
2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper assesses the characteristics of female inmate victims and inmate offenders of coerced sexual activity within a prison.
Abstract
Limited academic research exists addressing the issue of sexual coercion in correctional facilities, especially female correctional facilities. However, the study of sexual coercion and consensual same-sex research within correctional facilities is seen as very important. This study focused specifically on inmate-to-inmate female sexual coercion. The study, conducted in March 2000, consisted of all inmates housed in a southern correctional facility for women. Out of the 243 female inmates surveyed, 11 inmates, or 4.5 percent, reported incidents of sexual coercion. The results show that the rates of sexual coercion were relatively low for this women’s correctional facility. However, within the limited amount of research on sexual coercion in female correctional facilities, it is difficult to determine the exact rates of assault in female prisons. The study provides several policy implications: (1) facilities should provide more adequate surveillance and staff for institutional blind-spots; (2) providing conjugal visits to inmates may reduce violence in the institutions; and (3) profiling victims and perpetrators will be beneficial in educating inmates and staff regarding sexual assault in prison. References