Correctional officers' definitions of rape in male prisons

Abstract

Research on rape in the community demonstrates that definitions of rape are highly situational and that the behavior of the victim is frequently used to redefine rape as consensual sexual behavior. Research on male rape in prison also suggests that the line between consensual homosexuality and rape is often blurred and that certain types of men are viewed as legitimate victims who precipitate their victimization. This study examines correctional officers' definitions of male rape in prison and explores whether a number of factors, including victim blaming, affect officers' definitions of rape.