Inmate Sexual Assault: The Plague That Persists

Abstract

As the population of incarcerated inmates continues to swell to record proportions in the United States, the problem of inmate sexual assault continues to occur. Although no one is immune from such attacks, there are known characteristics that place inmates at increased risk of victimization. The trauma of inmate sexual assault is devastating and pervasive, with complex medical, physical, psychological, and social consequences that must be carefully managed in an interdisciplinary manner. In addition, the recognition that correctional staff of all disciplines may also victimize inmates complicates the management of this process. Mental health staff members are in a key role to shape and contribute to staff training efforts, administrative policies and procedures, and sound intervention protocols that are necessary to respond to individual inmate victims and to ensure safety and security within correctional institutions.