Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Types and Sources of Victimization Inside Prison

Abstract

Interracial patterns in sexual violence between inmate groups are well documented. Considerably less is known about the interracial pattern of sexual violence as well as physical violence between staff and inmates. This article provides rates of victimization for a single prison system by racial and ethnic groupings and by type of perpetrator. Racial and ethnic patterns were found in prevalence rates by types of victimization and type of perpetrator, but they do not appear to be principally explained by racism. Preventing violence inside prison should include reducing opportunities for victimization as well as “pulling up” the environment by training officers and other staff in supervisory styles that affirm and preserve a “harm-free” environment. © 2008, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.