Breaking the Silence: The Influence of Procedural Fairness on Reporting Sexual Assault in Prison

• In Event: Sexual Offending and Victimization within Criminal Justice Contexts

Abstract

Substantiated incidents of sexual victimization in adult correctional facilities in the United States occurred at a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 inmates in 2020. While previous studies have examined willingness to report victimization to police, it is also important to understand what factors influence victims’ willingness to report victimization while incarcerated. In the context of correctional supervision, researchers have evaluated the importance of procedural justice in terms of outcomes such as order maintenance, safety, and compliance. However, little attention has been paid to identifying the factors that influence willingness to report victimization among incarcerated individuals. Using survey data collected from a sample of individuals incarcerated in a state prison, this study assesses the influence of procedural justice on victims’ willingness to report sexual assault to members of correctional staff. Initial analyses suggest that respondents who perceive correctional officers as both professional and willing to listen may be more likely to report sexual assault victimization. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Author

• Eliza Jackson, American University