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Violence in Incarcerated Populations: a Review of the Literature

  • Intentional Violence (S Bonne and M Crandall, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Trauma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview of the current research surrounding violence in prison populations.

Recent Findings

It has been a long-held misconception that race plays a factor in the propensity to commit violence leading to the higher rates of incarceration. On review of recent data, exposure to violence and socioeconomic status play a big part in not only how a person’s path leads to incarceration, but also to the continuation of the cycle of violence. The lack of effective interventions in the prison and jail environments also contributes to the incidence of violence in this patient population. Furthermore, this lack of intervention leads to the development, or worsening in some cases, of medical and psychiatric problems in this group.

Summary

Incarcerated populations are at high risk for physical and sexual assault from other inmates as well as from staff. The consequence of this environment exacerbates pre-existing physical and mental conditions. Further research must be done into evidence-based interventions that address these overwhelming disparities.

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Upon request.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA

    Ayana Worthey, Caitlin Jones & Adil Abuzeid

  2. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Arielle Thomas

  3. American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA

    Arielle Thomas

  4. University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA

    Cassandra Q. White

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  1. Ayana Worthey
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  2. Arielle Thomas
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Correspondence to Cassandra Q. White.

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Worthey, A., Thomas, A., Jones, C. et al. Violence in Incarcerated Populations: a Review of the Literature. Curr Trauma Rep 8, 172–178 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-022-00234-4

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