When Offenders Become Victims: Are Structural Differences in Juvenile Detention Centers Correlated to Sexual Victimization?

• In Event: Organizational Communication Research Escalator - Extended Session

Abstract

Research has examined the lifelong effects on juveniles of sexual abuse, one of which is an increased likelihood of eventual incarceration of someone who was once sexually assaulted. Despite this, little attention has been paid to incidence and prevalence of sexual assault of juveniles already involved in the criminal justice system. Using data from the 2012 National Survey of Youth in Custody, this paper explores whether there are trends of peer-to-peer or staff-to-youth sexual victimization endemic to particular U.S. regions. Preliminary ANOVA results suggest that facilities located in the West are significantly more likely to have higher rates of peer-on-peer victimization [F(3)=3.68, p=0.013]. A t-test to compare average rates of staff-on-peer victimization suggests that facilities located in the South are significantly more likely to have higher rates (t=-2.939, p=0.004). This research project will continue to explore organizational factors specific to these regions that contribute to these different rates of victimization.

Authors

• Brandon Golob, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Katherine Elder, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication