Beck, A. J., & Hughes, T. A. (2005). Sexual violence reported by correctional authorities, 2004. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice. NCJ 210333. Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/svrca04.htm

Given the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, this study provides a review of the 2004 administrative survey of sexual violence in adult and juvenile corrections (public and private prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and others). Sexual violence was measured as nonconsensual sexual acts, abusive sexual contacts, staff sexual misconduct, and staff sexual harassment. Results of the review revealed that 5,528 allegations of sexual violence were recorded in 2004, with prison systems reporting 42% of those allegations. Specifically, staff sexual misconduct yielded the highest rate (with 1.31 allegations/1,000 inmates) and inmate-on-inmate nonconsensual acts yielded the second highest rate (1.16 allegations/1,000 inmates). Additional rates are reviewed concerning substantiated incidents, victim and perpetrator demographics, and administrative responses to sexual violence within corrections.

Topics: Male rape; prevalence; prison rape; underserved populations

Hensley, C., Koscheski, M., & Tewksbury, R. (2005). Examining the characteristics of male sexual assault targets in a southern maximum-security prison. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20, 667-679.

The topic of prison sexuality, in particular male inmate sexual assault, has not received enough attention. In this paper, the authors present an overview of the literature concerning sexual victimization among inmates whereby the purpose of this study is to elucidate demographic and behavioral characteristics of targets of sexual assault within correctional facilities. The sample included 142 inmates from within a maximum-security correctional facility for men. Inmates were given a questionnaire that included items addressing consensual inmate sex and sexual coercion/assault. Results demonstrated that, while incarcerated, 18.3% of the sample had been sexual targets and 8.5% had been sexually assaulted. Additional findings are presented along with a discussion of the significance of sexual orientation as a risk factor for sexual victimization during incarceration.

Topics: Male rape; prevalence; prison rape; risk

Mair, J.S., Frattaroli, S., & Teret, S.P. (2003). New hope for victims of prison sexual assault. Journal of Law, Medicine, & Ethics, 31, 602-606. [Posted August 2007]

Key Points: The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 established a system to reduce sexual violence against inmates in federal, state, county, and municipal prisons.

Abstract: After a brief overview of prison rape, the authors explain and summarize the main components of the Act. The Act established a Review Panel on Prison Rape at the Department of Justice to conduct hearings on the characteristics of victims, perpetrators, and prisons with low and high incidences of rape. The Act also mandates funding for prevention and prosecution resources and annual trainings of local, state, and federal authorities. It required the Attorney General to publish national standards for addressing rape and other forms of sexual coercion within prisons. Accreditation organizations were required to establish accreditation standards consistent with federal standards in order to receive federal funds. In conclusion, the authors point out that 95% of those incarcerated will be released. Preventing and treating sexual violence among these prisoners will improve their chances for successful reintegration into their families and communities.

Topics: Legal responses; prison rape

Wolff, N., Blitz, C., Shi, J., Bachman, R., Siegel, J. (2006). Sexual violence inside prisons: Rates of victimization. Journal of Urban Health, 83, 835-848. [Posted October 2006.]

Key Points: Sexual victimization in prisons (including sexual contact and nonconsensual sex acts) occurs most frequently between female inmates.

Abstract: To estimate the prevalence of sexual violence in a prison system, male (n=6,964) and female inmates (n=564) in twelve prisons in a small eastern state completed a computer-assisted survey. Inmates were asked about incidents involving abusive sexual contact and non-consensual sex acts by other inmates or by prison staff within the last 6 months. Females reported inmate-on-inmate sexual violence at 212 incidents per 1000 inmates while males reported only 43 incidents per 1000 inmates. Rates of non-consensual sex (inmate on inmate) were 32 per 1000 for women and 15 per for men. Staff-on-inmate sexual victimization rates were the same for men and women (76 per 1000), with men reporting 19 per 1000 incidents of non-consensual sex vs. 17 per 1000 for women.

This study had a good response rate (average 39%) from all inmates housed in general population. Because rates of sexual violence varied by the site, future studies should look at factors that can minimize risks. Inmate experiences of trauma and disease from forced sex should be addressed to prevent them from contributing to the ill health of their community when they are released. 

Topics: Male rape; prevalence; prison rape; underserved populations

Updated 08/01/07