An Open-Secret of Male on Male Sexual Assault in Westville Correctional Center, South Africa

Abstract

The focus on the perceptions of correctional service officials on sexual assault amongst the male offenders in Westville Correctional Center. The following were the objectives of the study: To explore awareness of male sexual assault between offenders among correctional service officials in Durban, Westville Correctional Center, South Africa; to explore the perceptions of correctional service officials towards male sexual assault between male offenders in Westville Correctional Center. The study employed a qualitative research approach to explore and describe the perceptions of officials; data was obtained through semi- structured interviews. The data was collected from a sample of 8 correctional service officials from medium A- D, by using a purposive sampling Technique. The collected data was transcribed and analyzed through thematic analysis, which was used to develop themes that emerged. The findings depicted that correctional service officials from Westville Correctional Center are aware of the occurrence of male sexual assault in their respective mediums through reported cases. The study also found correctional service officials view in correctional center it is possible for a male to be sexually assaulted and even though the correctional centers can implement strategies to curb male sexual assault, male offenders will always find an opportunity to commit this sexual offence.