Examining the Association between Mental Illness and Victimization Risk in Prison and Non-Prison Contexts

• In Event: Reexamining Assumptions and Methods of Victimization Research

Abstract

While traditional criminological research has focused primarily on Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI) as perpetrators of violence, identifying the experiences of PwMI as victims is of utmost importance. Research suggests that PwMI are at risk for physical and sexual victimization, both in the community and while incarcerated. Although findings suggest that PwMI are at higher risk of victimization than their counterparts without mental illness, victimization risk has not been reliably compared across contexts (i.e. prison victimization versus non-prison/ community victimization). Using data from the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities (2004), the current study compares individuals with and without mental health diagnoses on their victimization histories in and outside of prison. Specifically, this analysis seeks to explore whether incarceration serves as a form of protection against or a source of exposure to physical victimization for PwMI. Results and policy implications will be discussed.

Author

• Meghan M. Kozlowski, University of Maryland