Discussion questions

Module 7

Inside and Out – Women and Abuse in Prison

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.

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.

What groups of people do you think are most likely to

be targeted for sexual abuse in jail?

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

Vulnerable Inmates

• 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

Sexual Abuse

Consent in a Custody Setting

Consensual Sex Among Inmates vs. Sexual Assault

Unlawful Sexual

Contact

VICTIM

SUSPECT

Inmate Sex

INMATE

INMATE

FELONY

(PREA)

RULE

VIOLATION

Incidence of Inmate-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse

• Sexual harassment

• Protective pairing

• Exchanges/favors

• Ritual/gang abuse

• Sexual abuse in romantic relationships

Dynamics of Inmate-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse

• Sexual harassment

• Voyeurism/flashing

• Exchanges/favors

• Abuse during searches

• Perceived romantic relationships

Staff-on-Inmate Sexual Abuse

Common Methods Used by Perpetrators

• 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.

Sexual Trauma

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

Initial Reactions to Sexual Abuse

Trauma can impair:

• Basic functioning

• Cognition

• Memory

• Health

• Relationships

Impact of Trauma

Survivors have an increased risk of:

• Depression

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

• Alcohol/drug abuse

• Health problems

• Worsening of psychiatric disorders

• Self-harm

• Suicide attempts

• Recidivism

Long-term Impact of Sexual Trauma

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

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

Retraumatization

Michelle is a survivor of sexual abuse in jail.

Photo courtesy of Just Detention International.

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

Isolation and Punishment

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

Revictimization