NCJ Number
89068
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper describes major kinds of physical, psychological, economic, and social prison victimization patterns and then presents 13 interventive strategies to decrease such victimization.
Abstract
The prison environment combines several factors which encourage physical violence: inadequate supervision, availability of weapons, the housing of violence-prone inmates near relatively defenseless victims, and high tension levels. Other reasons for assaults, homicides, and homosexual rape include the high status given to violent inmates, economic gain, and the possibility that administrators will recommend an early release for disruptive prisoners. Victims tend to be white, small, young, middle-class, socially isolated, cooperative with authorities, and lacking in street survival skills. Psychological victimization is more common than physical assault and usually consists of subtle distortions or lies that trick victims into giving up sex, material goods, or other desired commodities without a fight. Economic crimes, such as loansharking, gambling, protection rackets, and misrepresenting products, are more effectively carried out with group support within the prison. Social victimization occurs when blacks systematically victimize whites or when child molesters fear for their lives throughout their prison careers. Victimization curbs an individual's freedom to act, and victims commonly skip activities or ask to be placed in segregation. Other effects are feelings of helplessness, isolation, and damaged self-esteem which seriously hinder adaptation to prison life. Administrators should assemble data on victimization and then institute physical modifications and use patterns accordingly. Other strategies are a correctional ombudsman, increased staffing and security, facilitating visits from family, normalizing prison industries, coed prisons, unit management, and lower incarceration rates. The article contains 17 references.