Abstract

Victimization is associated with a cascade of negative outcomes, and the literature has been enriched by research that situates victimization in the life context of key social groups such as children, youth, women, and veterans. Yet, less is known about violent victimization in the context of prisoner reentry. Using longitudinal data documenting reentry experiences, the current study examines the prevalence, triggers and impact of victimization among returning citizens with specific attention given to mental health outcomes. Longitudinal multilevel modeling is employed to estimate the heterogenous victimization experiences among respondents as well as the temporal change in victimization over the follow-up period of a respondent. Results underscore an alarmingly high rate of victimization against returning citizens. Risky neighborhood and family environments are significant predictors of their victimization. Upon victimization, the respondents’ mental health deteriorates. Policy implications and directions for the future research are provided.

摘要

受害与一系列负面结果相关，并且通过将受害置于儿童、青年、妇女和退伍军人等关键社会群体的生活背景中的研究丰富了文献。然而，人们对囚犯重返监狱期间的暴力受害情况知之甚少。当前的研究利用记录重返经历的纵向数据，研究了回返公民中受害的发生率、触发因素和影响，并特别关注心理健康结果。采用纵向多层次模型来估计受访者之间的异质受害经历以及受访者随访期间受害的时间变化。结果突显出回国公民的受害率高得惊人。危险的社区和家庭环境是他们受害的重要预测因素。受害后，受访者的心理健康状况恶化。提供了未来研究的政策含义和方向。