Victimization in prison refers to being the recipient of negative actions or threats of negative actions within the confines of the penal institution by persons living or working in such spaces. Such actions are either physically or psychologically harmful, and the harm can be to a person’s mind, body, or something that person values (e.g., possessions or freedom). Victimization in prison is of central importance to any study of criminal psychology; it transcends disciplines and changes shape in line with penal legislation and practices. Being victimized, witnessing victimization, or engaging in the victimization of another person impacts prisoners, prison staff, and their families and friends. Victimization has long-term consequences for victims and perpetrators, may encourage recidivism, and perhaps even desistance as once perpetrators take ...

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