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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
Time: 8:29 pm
Time: 8:29 pm
Results for prison victimization
2 results foundAuthor: Gooch, Kate Title: Prison Bullying and Victimisation Summary: Executive Summary i. Victimisation has long been recognised as significant problem across the young offender institution (YOI) estate. However, relatively little research has focused on the specific problem of bullying amongst young prisoners and much of the available research, both about bullying and prison violence more generally, is dated. Thus, we know relatively little about why young prisoners are more likely to engage in violence and bullying, and how the dynamics of these may have changed over time. In addition, there is little academic material on how to address and reduce the incidence of violence and bullying in prison more generally. Yet, the effects and impact of victimisation can be significant, both for the individuals concerned and the wider prison community. Thus, understanding how, when and why prison violence and bullying occurs is crucial. ii. This study was authorised by a Governing Governor in response to the high levels of bullying within a specific establishment. However, in seeking to understand the problem of bullying within a particular YOI, this report also generates findings and makes recommendations designed to address broader issues of national policy and practice. We argue that high levels of victimisation are neither inevitable nor acceptable. However, in order to reduce the incidence of victimisation, a specific anti-victimisation strategy and a 'whole prison approach' is required. iii. The aims of this study were fourfold. First, to explore the nature and dynamics of bullying amongst young prisoners aged 18-21 years old. Second, to assess how young prisoners construct and rationalise their involvement in bullying and victimisation, as well as how they conceptualise and define bullying and victimisation. Third, to explore the perceptions of prison staff and, finally, to identify areas of good practice and make recommendations. Key Findings 1. Victimisation was a widespread problem and a largely 'taken for granted' aspect of prison life. Within that context, bullying occurred frequently but it was often difficult to tease out incidents of 'bullying' from the broader range of victimising behaviours. 2. Bullying is an ambiguous, subjective and 'slippery' term and not everyone - whether staff or prisoners - had a shared understanding of precisely what constitutes 'bullying.' 3. Bullying was a form of predatory behaviour where prisoners who were perceived to be weak, vulnerable or otherwise inadequate were targeted. In this respect, bullying was distinguishable from acts of physical violence where the roles were not necessarily sharply divided and where the purpose, interests and gains varied. 4. Technological advances, operational changes, social changes and the increased availability of contraband items such as mobile telephones and new psychoactive substances (NPS, typically dubbed 'legal highs') have re-shaped the dynamics of prison bullying and victimisation. 5. Prison violence often has roots in an array of conflicts occurring in the community and spilling over into the prison environment. 6. Sexual violence, gang activity, initiation ceremonies, faith-related conflict, the misuse of prescription medication and violence directly related to the use NPS were less common forms of victimisation. 7. Perpetrators were not always 'lone rangers' and some of the worst acts of victimisation occurred when several prisoners acted in a 'joint enterprise' to assault, bully, extort or steal from others. 8. Perpetrators were often opportunistic. Thus, situational controls, effective staff supervision and good 'jail craft' are essential in limiting the instances of bullying and inter-prisoner conflicts. The structure and management of the prison regime can also either limit or increase opportunities for victimisation. 9. Prisoners were 'tested' to determine their susceptibility to extortion, exploitation and abuse. If prisoners failed to 'stand up for themselves', this often attracted sustained victimisation with little compassion or empathy from their peers. 10. The ways in which prisoners engaged in victimisation are not as narrow as previously thought. Both the behaviour and needs of perpetrators, perpetrator-victims and victims vary. Thus, understanding the individuals involved and the circumstances of their involvement is key. 11. There were marked similarities between victims and perpetrators. Looked after children, disabled prisoners and young people moving from the juvenile secure estate to the young adult YOI estate featured as both victims and perpetrators. Their needs, and the link between vulnerability and victimisation, were not always well understood by frontline staff. 12. There is no 'magic bullet' or single solution that will solve the problem of prison victimisation, however, the frequency and severity of victimisation can be reduced if a 'whole prison approach' is adopted. 13. Strong staff-prisoner relationships are central, not only in preventing victimisation but also in terms of enabling victims to disclose concerns and in supporting victims and perpetrators effectively and appropriately. 14. Perpetrators can and often do change their behaviour given the right opportunities and in the right context. Thus, any anti-victimisation strategy must be set within a context where there is an emphasis on rehabilitation and on moving prisoners from negative to positive behaviour. 15. Punishment alone is insufficient and will not necessarily lead to behavioural change. In order to engage prisoners in behavioural change, there must be more 'carrots' than 'sticks' and prisoners must be able to access more rewards through positive than through harmful behaviour. Details: Birmingham, UK: Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, 2015. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 8, 2016 at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-artslaw/law/Prison-Bullying-and-Victimisation.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-artslaw/law/Prison-Bullying-and-Victimisation.pdf Shelf Number: 145134 Keywords: Prison BullyingPrison GangsPrison VictimizationPrison ViolencePrisoners |
Author: Hampton, Elspeth Title: Coping with Imprisonment: Exploring Bullying, Safety and Social Support within Prison Settings Summary: This thesis examines prisoners' experiences of imprisonment. Initially, some of the challenges that prisoners face during imprisonment are considered, of which bullying represents a prominent feature. A systematic review of literature exploring bullying within prisons is presented, with emphasis on the nature and prevalence of bullying and the characteristics of those involved. High rates of bullying within prisons are reported, with prisoners tending to have experience in both perpetration and victimisation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; Snaith & Zigmond, 1994) is suggested as a useful tool for measuring psychological well-being within prisoners. The measure is investigated in terms of its reliability and validity. Finally, an empirical research study exploring the influence of perceived safety and social support on the psychological well-being of prisoners in open conditions is described. The study employed a mixed-method design, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results revealed relatively low levels of anxiety and depression among prisoners with high levels of perceived safety. There were some significant differences in social support according to levels of anxiety and depression but prisoners' concerns about trust and fear of being moved back to closed conditions limited the degree to which they sought support from relationships within prison. Details: Birmingham, UK: The Centre for Forensic and Criminological Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, 2012. 201p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed October 8, 2016 at: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/3903/1/Hampton_12_ForenPsyD.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/3903/1/Hampton_12_ForenPsyD.pdf Shelf Number: 145132 Keywords: Prison BullyingPrison VictimizationPrison ViolencePrisonization |