A comparison of sexual coercion experiences reported by men and women in prison

J Interpers Violence. 2006 Dec;21(12):1591-615. doi: 10.1177/0886260506294240.

Abstract

Comparisons were made between self-reports from 382 men and 51 women who had experienced sexual coercion while incarcerated. Victim data were obtained from a sample of 1,788 male inmates and 263 female inmates who responded to an anonymous written survey distributed in 10 midwestern prisons. Men reported that their perpetrators in worst-case incidents were inmates (72%), staff (8%), or inmates and staff collaborating (12%). Women reported that their perpetrators were inmates (47%) and staff (41%). Greater percentages of men (70%) than women (29%) reported that their incident resulted in oral, vaginal, or anal sex. More men (54%) than women (28%) reported an incident that was classified as rape. Men and women were similar in feeling depression; however, more men (37%) than women (11%) reported suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts (19% for men, 4% for women). Implications of results for prevention of sexual coercion in prison are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Coercion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prisons
  • Rape / psychology
  • Rape / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Women's Health