Age and Witnessing Victimization: Does Age Moderate the Effects of Witnessing Victimization in Prison on Post-release Outcomes?

• In Event: Effects of Exposure to Violence

Abstract

The prison population is aging at a much faster rate than the general population (The Pew Center on the States, 2008). Although age has been included in previous prison victimization studies, few studies have specifically examined the victimization experiences of older prisoners. The existing literature suggests that victimization is less common among older prisoners; however, little is known about whether the effects of experiences with victimization differ for older prisoners as compared with younger inmates. To investigate this possibility, we used data to examine whether the effects of witnessing victimization in prison on post-release adjustment is influenced by age. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Jane C. Daquin, Georgia State University

• Leah E. Daigle, Georgia State University

• Shelley J. Listwan, University of North Carolina at Charlotte