Methodological Challenges in Victimisation Studies

The quantitative study of prisoners’ victimisation is not new. Although many older works exist, numerous new studies have also been published in the past decade. With an ever-changing prison system, the measurement of victimisation in detention will always remain relevant. However, the problem with current studies is the lack of standardisation of measurement methods and methodological transparency, turning national and cross-country comparisons virtually impossible. Yet we know from research on psychological and cognitive processes that certain methods in questionnaire design are better than others. Studies on victimisation are also more susceptible to additional threats, such as nonresponse, which may be amplified in a prison context. This chapter reviews the problems in prior research and the unique challenges in designing a victimisation study for prisoners. It then draws on the methodological literature to formulate recommendations for better standardisation of victimisation studies in prisons.