NCJ Number
84623
Date Published
1982
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Interviews conducted with a random sample of inmates from 17 Federal institutions indicate that a positive attitude toward homosexuality and a vulnerable appearance are among the physical and attitudinal differences that distinguish sexual targets and willing participants from prison rapists. Corrections staff should actively discourage homosexuality.
Abstract
Most assaulters are young, black males from urban environments committed for violent crimes and predisposed to anticipate violence in all types of conflicts. Targets and participants in rape express favorable attitudes toward homosexuality and expect nonviolent resolutions to conflicts. Prison rapists attack other inmates out of a desire to gain credibility and power in the institution. They assault inmates they perceive as feminine (even though most targets are heterosexual) or willing to play passive 'female' roles. They learn about other inmates' sexual orientation or attitudes through the prison grapevine. Corrections officers accept less responsibility for protection and guidance of inmates the longer they serve in the institution. Prison homosexuality can be limited if staff actively encourage the norms that curtail homosexual activity in free communities. Family visits, furlough programs, and institutional segregation are less effective in reducing homosexual activity than are open discussion among the staff and dissemination of literature on homosexual activity and sexual aggression. The report is based on a survey of staff and inmates randomly selected from 17 Federal prisons. Tables and 11 references are supplied.