Consequences of Violent Victimization Among Correctional Staff

• In Event: Workplace Victimization

Abstract

The majority of literature examining correctional staff focuses on the potential negative outcomes of correctional work, such as increased stress, mental and physical health problems, and poor job performance. However, very few studies examine correctional officer victimization, and even fewer examine the consequences that officers experience as a result of being victimized or exposed to serious violence on the job. To fill these gaps, the current study uses data from wave one of the Effects of Stress Among Correctional Officers survey (N=515) to examine the effects of direct and indirect victimization on a broad range of psychological, behavioral, health, and social consequences. The data are unique in that they allow us to examine how relationships vary by the severity of victimization, and to establish temporal order between victimization and the various outcomes. Results and their implications for correctional policy and future research will be discussed.

Authors

• Abigail Galvan, Florida State University

• Jillian Turanovic, Florida State University