Current Search: Ratkalkar, Mina (x)
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Title
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Can I Ask for Help? The Relationship among Incarcerated Males’ Sexual Orientation, Incarceration History, and Perceptions of Rape in Prison.
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Creator
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Ratkalkar, Mina, Smykla, John Ortiz, Florida Atlantic University, College for Design and Social Inquiry, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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Abstract/Description
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In 2003, Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act to address the problem of sexual violence in prison. Although research has shed light on the prevalence and incidence of sexual violence in U.S. prisons, few studies examine inmates’ perceptions of rape and safety from rape in prison. This study examined rape perceptions and the likelihood to seek mental health treatment in prison of three distinct groups of male inmates who are at greater risk of sexual victimization or exposure to...
Show moreIn 2003, Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act to address the problem of sexual violence in prison. Although research has shed light on the prevalence and incidence of sexual violence in U.S. prisons, few studies examine inmates’ perceptions of rape and safety from rape in prison. This study examined rape perceptions and the likelihood to seek mental health treatment in prison of three distinct groups of male inmates who are at greater risk of sexual victimization or exposure to sexual violence while incarcerated: gay and bisexual inmates, inmates with a juvenile incarceration history, and inmates who were first incarcerated in the adult criminal justice system during adolescence or emerging adulthood. This study examined the relationships between sexual orientation and inmates’ perceptions of the threat of rape and seeking of mental health treatment in prison. Data from 409 incarcerated men residing in 23 maximum security correctional institutions revealed that gay and bisexual inmates were significantly more likely than straight inmates to fear the threat of rape and to voluntarily request mental health treatment in prison. Incarcerated men with a history of childhood abuse were significantly more likely than inmates without an abuse history to fear the threat of rape. Having a history of childhood sexual abuse, identifying as black, and being incarcerated for longer than 18 years also significantly predicted increased likelihood to voluntarily request mental health treatment in prison. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
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Date Issued
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2016
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004624, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004624
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Subject Headings
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United States.--Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003., Prisoners--Sexual behavior., Prisoners--Mental health services., Prisoners--Legal status, laws, etc., Prisons--Law and legislation--United States., Prison violence--Prevention., Rape--Prevention.
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Format
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Document (PDF)
