Incarcerated Women’s Perceptions of Staff and Peer Physical Violence: A Longitudinal Comparative Analysis

• In Event: Female Incarceration Experiences and Impacts

Abstract

Several studies have examined the impact of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) regarding the protection of incarcerated women. However, there has been a lack of longitudinal comparative studies conducted within the same facility. The purpose of this study is to examine inmate perceptions of physical violence, whether it be inmate on inmate or staff on inmate. Data were obtained using the Women’s Correctional Safety Scales Survey (WCSS), which was administered to incarcerated women within a large metropolitan jail in both 2012 and 2018. Results will also present additional evidence that supports the validity and reliability of the WCSS. Findings and implications are discussed for the prospect of future research.

Authors

• Trevor Myers, Eastern Kentucky University

• Macey Hall, Eastern Kentucky University

• Trevor Denney, Eastern Kentucky University

• April Pace, Eastern Kentucky University

• Jerome Williams, Eastern Kentucky University

• Ivan Benitez, Eastern Kentucky University

• James Wells, Eastern Kentucky University