Descriptive analysis of bullying in male and female adult prisoners

This study provides a descriptive analysis of bullying in adult prisons and compares the responses of male and female inmates. Ninety male and forty-eight female inmates were surveyed via a self-report questionnaire which asked about the extent of bullying, the frequency the respondent had bullied or been bullied and their perceptions of bullying. The perceived extent of bullying was fairly high, with women reporting a higher level than men. Bullying was predominantly physical but women reported a higher frequency of indirect bullying than men. A particular 'type' of individual was viewed as being predisposed to become a victim of bullying and various reasons were suggested as to why an inmate was bullied. Bullying was seen to occur at locations throughout the prison. Inmates typically reported that both they and staff were willing to help the victims of bullying and a number of interventions were suggested. A small percentage of inmates admitted to being bullies, with on average 2 to 4 victims each in the previous week. The overall percentage of self-reported victims was also relatively small, with a higher proportion of women admitting being victims.