Violence in Latin America: Which factors increase the risk of victimization in prison?

This paper contributes to the literature on violence in Latin American prisons by identifying a set of risk factors likely to increase prison victimization for male inmates. Drawing on data from six Latin American countries gathered by the "Survey of Prison Inmates", our findings suggest that inmates are more likely to experience victimization if they: are young, were victimized as children, receive fewer visits while incarcerated, are recidivists, use alcohol and/or other substances while incarcerated, perceive prison staff to be corrupt, and are imprisoned in overcrowded facilities. Inmates arc less likely to be victimized if they are imprisoned for a drug offense, or if they dedicate most of their time behind bars to work or to educational activities. The paper also suggests a number of intervention strategies aimed at reducing prison violence and strengthening the reinregration porential of correctional institutions.