U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Examining Disclosure of Physical and Sexual Victimization by Method in Samples of Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System

NCJ Number
241035
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: April 2012 Pages: 161-175
Author(s)
Sheryl Pimlott Kubiak; Nkiru Nnawulezi; Nidal Karim; Cris M. Sullivan; Marisa L. Beeble
Date Published
2012
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In this article, the authors report on serendipitous findings when using two methods to assess the past year incidence of sexual and physical violence among women involved in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Definitions vary on what constitutes sexual and/or physical abuse, and scholars have debated on which methods might yield the most accurate response rates for capturing this sensitive information. Although some studies suggest respondents prefer methods that provide anonymity, previous studies have not utilized high-risk or stigmatized populations. In this article, the authors report on serendipitous findings when using two methods to assess the past year incidence of sexual and physical violence among women involved in the criminal justice system. Women who participated in an anonymous survey reported higher physical and sexual victimization than did the women who were interviewed, even though the questions were identical. Implications of the findings are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.