Racial and ethnic disparities in victimization and perpetrating among incarcerated women

• In Event: Institutional Experiences and Misconduct: Understanding Prison Environments, Inequalities, and Reform

Abstract

Prison populations have declined in recent years, but not uniformly across demographics. Women, one of the fastest-growing incarcerated groups, remain underexamined in research. While studies show women are less likely than men to engage in violence, anecdotal evidence suggests they face disproportionate victimization by staff, raising concerns about their safety. The role of race and ethnicity in these experiences remains largely unexplored, leaving gaps in understanding risk factors for victimization and perpetration involving incarcerated women and prison staff. Using administrative data from the Florida Department of Corrections (2007–2015), we analyze a subsample of incarcerated women (n = 24,361) to examine factors influencing victimization and offending. Logistic regression models assess the impact of race, ethnicity, and incarceration-related experiences on these incidents. Victimization and offending against staff vary significantly by race and ethnicity. Mental illness and incarceration experiences also differ across racial and ethnic groups, influencing both victimization and perpetration. Findings emphasize the need for criminological theories to address intersectional vulnerabilities, particularly gender, race, and ethnicity.

Authors

• Natalie Rivera, Michigan State University

• Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Michigan State University