Understanding Sexual Victimization Inside Prisons: Factors that Predict Risk

This comprehensive research study examines the critical issue of sexual victimization within American prisons, addressing both the prevalence of such incidents and the factors that elevate an inmate's risk of becoming a victim. The study represents one of the most extensive empirical investigations into prison sexual victimization, analyzing self-reported data from approximately 8,000 inmates across 14 facilities operated by a single state prison system, including 12 male general population prisons, one male sex offender treatment facility, and one female facility.

The research reveals that while sexual assault remains a relatively uncommon occurrence across all facility types, with rates generally below 5% over a six-month period, the experience of abusive sexual contact is more prevalent. The study found significant variation in victimization rates depending on the type of facility, perpetrator (inmate versus staff), and specific form of sexual victimization examined. The findings demonstrate that certain inmate characteristics consistently elevate the risk of sexual victimization, including prior sexual victimization before age 18, mental health disorders, younger age, and specific demographic factors.

Key predictors of inmate-on-inmate sexual victimization among the general male population included mental health disorders, prior sexual victimization, higher education levels, and perceptions of high gang activity within the facility. For staff-on-inmate victimization, risk factors included younger age, African American race, violent crime convictions, and prior sexual abuse. Among female inmates, the most significant predictors were prior sexual victimization and perceptions of gang activity. The research emphasizes that inmates who experienced sexual victimization prior to age 18 were approximately three to five times more likely to report sexual victimization inside prison during the study period.

The study's implications extend beyond academic research to practical prison management and policy development. The authors argue that these risk factors should be treated as markers similar to medical risk indicators, informing classification schemes and placement strategies to protect vulnerable inmates. The research supports the need for reliable monitoring systems, scientific measurement methods, and comprehensive staff training to achieve the "zero tolerance" policies advocated by legislation such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003.