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Sexual Violence in Women's Prisons and Jails: Results From Focus Group Interviews

Results from focus group interviews of correctional personnel from 2 women's facilities (one jail and one prison) are reported. Observations are presented according to the following areas: summary of findings; staff perspectives on sexual assault in women's correctional facilities; knowledge about sexual assault; inmate reports of sexual violence; role of previous violence and institutional behavior; characteristics of vulnerable and predatory female inmates; staff sexual misconduct -- consequences, knowledge of policy, safety, inmate-initiated misconduct, risk factors, reporting, and false accusations; procedures for responding to sexual assault; staff training; staff recommendations; and conclusion.