Prison victimization and post‐release outcomes: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Evidence suggests that prisoners have more extensive victimization histories than non-incarcerated people, which is linked to subsequent criminal behaviour. Additionally, violence and victimization are common in prisons and often underreported. Prior research has primarily focussed on the negative effects of victimization prior to incarceration. Thus, this review will explore the impact of victimization in prison on post-release outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Social Science Premium databases. Any peer-reviewed studies written in English were eligible for inclusion if they analysed the relationship between victimization exposure in prison on post-release outcomes or recidivism. Methodological quality was assessed using CASP Checklists. Of the 322 unique studies identified, 18 studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria.

Results

High rates of direct and witnessed victimization were reported. The majority of the quantitative studies found significant relationships between prison victimization and recidivism or other post-release outcomes. Stronger evidence suggests recidivism, substance use and mental health outcomes are correlated with prison victimization, while evidence for interpersonal relationships and employment outcomes is weaker. Qualitative studies supported these findings and drew associations between prison violence and poorer outcomes upon release.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that trauma experienced while incarcerated is associated with greater risk of reoffending or other poor outcomes. However, the studies were limited to primarily adult samples in the United States, with mostly male participants; future research should seek to examine these effects in other populations.