Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Abuse in Detention Facilities
The prevalence, dynamics, and impact of sexual abuse in detention facilities are concerning. Research indicates that approximately 200,000 individuals are sexually abused behind bars yearly in the U.S. This issue extends beyond statistics, with vulnerable groups such as women and individuals with mental health concerns facing higher risks. The frequency and agency rates of staff misconduct and inmate abuse further underscore the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies to address this serious issue.
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Module 4 Prevalence, Dynamics, and Impact of Sexual Abuse in Detention
Prevalence in Adult Facilities Graphic by Just Detention International. Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Sexual Victimization Reported By Former State Prisoners, 2008, May 12, 2012.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Prisons and Jails Roughly 200,000 people are sexually abused behind bars every year in the U.S. [Quantify this number for trainees such as That is # times the population of our jail or That is like 2.5 Broncos Stadium (Sports Authority Field) filled to capacity.
Perpetrators in Prisons and Jails Graphic by Just Detention International. Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2011-2012, May 12, 2013.
Frequency of Sexual Abuse Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Sexual Victimization Reported By Former State Prisoners, 2008, May 12, 2012.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Colorado Facilities Most Colorado corrections facilities that were surveyed have rates of sexual abuse at, or slightly below, national levels. Denver Women s Correctional Facility (pictured above) has some of the highest rates of sexual abuse in the country. Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2011-2012, May 12, 2013.
Agency Rates [Insert a summary of agency rates of staff sexual misconduct, inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse, and sexual harassment, if available.] [Include data on your jail from the BJS National Inmate Surveys, if applicable.] [Include data for the past five years, including any dispositions of reports, if possible.]
What groups of people do you think are most likely to be targeted for sexual abuse in jail?
Vulnerable Inmates Perpetrators tend to target: Women People with mental illness Survivors of sexual abuse Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inmates People incarcerated for violent sexual offenses
Sexual Abuse Is an act of violence even without any physical force Is used to establish and maintain power or control Exists on a continuum of varying degrees of severity
Consensual Sex Among Inmates vs. Sexual Assault SUSPECT FELONY (PREA) Unlawful Sexual Contact VICTIM INMATE RULE VIOLATION Inmate Sex INMATE
Incidence of Inmate-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse
Dynamics of Inmate-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse Sexual harassment Protective pairing Exchanges/favors Ritual/gang abuse Sexual abuse in romantic relationships
Targets for Staff Sexual Abuse Who is the average victim of staff sexual abuse in prisons and jails? Male Black, Latino, or multiracial Younger than 24 years old Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2008-2009, August, 2010.
Staff-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse Sexual harassment Voyeurism/flashing Exchanges/favors Abuse during searches Perceived romantic relationships
Common Methods Used by Perpetrators
Sexual Trauma Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic forms of criminal victimization. Survivors often experience intense fear, horror, and helplessness. Abuse is often perpetrated by someone the victim knows.
Initial Reactions to Sexual Abuse Survivors may experience: Numbness Shock Confusion Disbelief Helplessness Fear Anger Guilt Grief Frustration Disorientation Racing heart beat and other signs of physical arousal or agitation
Impact of Trauma Trauma can impair: Basic functioning Cognition Memory Health Relationships
Long-term Impact of Sexual Trauma Survivors have an increased risk of: Depression Health problems Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Worsening of psychiatric disorders Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV Self-harm Suicide attempts Recidivism Alcohol/drug abuse
Impact of Incarceration on Survivors Being incarcerated compounds the effects of sexual trauma, including feelings of fear, hopelessness, and isolation. Image courtesy of Just Detention International
Retraumatization Survivors of sexual abuse behind bars: Often experience events that recreate some aspect of the initial trauma Have little control over their bodies and surroundings May have limited access to medical, mental health, and rape crisis services Michelle is a survivor of sexual abuse in jail. Photo courtesy of Just Detention International.
Isolation and Punishment Survivors of sexual abuse behind bars are often: Placed in isolated housing after reporting Punished for normal reactions that are seen as acting out Retaliated against by inmates and staff Photo: Richard Ross
Revictimization Survivors of sexual abuse behind bars: Are likely to have ongoing contact with perpetrator(s) May be seen as easy targets May be re-victimized multiple times Bryson was repeatedly gang- raped in an Arkansas prison. Photo courtesy of Just Detention International
