No Escape: Sexual Assault of Juveniles in Adult Jails and Prisons

• In Event: Risks of Sexual Violence

Abstract

With the passage of PREA, the U.S. Congress recognized the increased risk of sexual assault among young offenders and juveniles housed in adult facilities by mandating the collection of survey data among of youth housed in adult facilities. These data demonstrate that approximately 2% of youth housed in adult jails or prisons experience forced sexual assault or victimization. However, there is scant research on the structural or individual correlates of victimization among youth in jails and prisons. Using the 2011-2012 National Inmate Survey, this study employs mixed fixed effects logit modeling to explore individual and facility-level characteristics associated with sexual assault and victimization against youth in adult jails and prisons. Findings will compare correlates of assault on youth by staff to victimization perpetrated by other inmates.

Authors

• Eileen M. Ahlin, Penn State Harrisburg

• Don C. Hummer, Penn State Harrisburg