Can I Ask for Help? The Relationship among Incarcerated Males’ Sexual Orientation, Incarceration History, and Perceptions of Rape in Prison

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 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.