NCJ Number
106358
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 48-53
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
When correctional personel are victimized by inmates, the psychological effects are similar to those experienced by any crime victim, and victimization services are required to mitigate these effects.
Abstract
The phases of victimization effects are shock, confusion, denial, and even perceptual distortion; an attempt to make sense of the incident; and recovery that involves regaining control of one's life and mental states. The victimization of correctional personnel includes not only physical assaults and hostagetaking, but verbal assaults and inmate suicides. Although inmate suicides are not direct attacks upon correctional staff, the staff may be deeply affected as a surrogate family, harboring guilt feelings about what they might have done to prevent the suicide. Should an inmate attack upon a staff member occasion criminal proceedings, victim assistance organizations should address the staff member's needs as they would those of any crime victim. Administrators can help reduce stress on staff victims by shielding them from the media and by ensuring that they are informed about any proceedings involved and provided with the resources required throughout the process. Coworkers can provide a supportive presence that includes listening and assisting the victim in responsible actions.