Would They Officially Report an In-Prison Sexual Assault? An Examination of Inmate Perceptions

Abstract

This exploratory study examined inmates’ intentions to report their own sexual victimization and recommend others to officially report their assaults. More than 900 male and female inmates in a Southern prison system responded to the self-report questionnaire. Victims of prison sexual assault and homosexual/bisexual inmates, at risk for victimization, had decreased chances of reporting their own victimization. As inmates’ time served increased their chances of intending to report their victimization decreased. Women were more likely to recommend others to report as were those who knew a recently victimized inmate. Recommendations focus on training and education alongside prison cultural change.