Sex and Sexuality in Women’s Prisons

Abstract

The literature on sexuality in women’s correctional facilities has identified a variety of sexual behaviors in which female convicts and prison staff participate. However, no single taxonomy has been developed that adequately describes the range of sexual behaviors found within the confines of women’s prisons. The ensuing analysis rectifies this deficiency by delineating a typology of the same. First, the classification system specifies the scope of sexual activities operating within female correctional environs. Next, the heuristic foundation of the typology is tentatively explored, especially in relation to advancing proactive sexual exploitation/victimization prevention initiatives that help to equip correctional officers, wardens, and administrators for work in women’s prisons. Finally, several future research directions are speculatively outlined regarding convict sexuality and the treatment of sexual abuse (for victims/perpetrators) in female correctional institutions. These include programming and policy strategies that arguably attend to the health, mental health, and social welfare needs of incarcerated women.