Type, Source, and Patterns of Physical Victimization

Abstract

Remarkably little is known about the type, source, and patterns of physical victimization inside prison and less is known about whether differences in victimization exist between male and female inmates. This article explores the type, source, and patterns of physical victimization as reported by approximately 7,000 male and 560 female inmates. Respondents completed survey questions about seven types of physical victimization and two perpetrator sources (inmate and staff). These data show similarities and differences in patterns of victimization between male and female inmates and provide a rich description of victimization inside prison and its relationship to feeling safe there.