JEDDAH — A recent Saudi study has shown that patterns of violence are spreading among inmates of correction facilities. Some of the inmates are subjected to harassment, rape, mockery and tampering with their personal belongings by other inmates, Al-Hayat said. The field study, carried out by a government authority on inmates in correction facilities, a copy of which Al-Hayat obtained, said that inmates of correction facilities in Saudi society are mocked at by those who dislike them. They are also abused, insulted, fought against and their personal belongings are confiscated. The study revealed that those who drink liquor and take drugs are most likely to resort to violence in correction facilities. The study stressed that care institutions should carry out a bigger role toward drug addicts and those who drink liquor by giving intensive, periodic lectures and seminars. These efforts should be continuous. The study said that there is an inverse proportion between the necessary services provided to the inmate in the correction facility and violence. In other words, when the services provided to the inmate are lacking, violence against them increases. The field study revealed that when imposition of discipline decreases, violence among inmates increases. It showed that there is a relationship between crowding in the facility and violence that is being practiced among inmates. When there is crowding, there is more violence. There is no relationship between the necessary services and violence patterns that the inmate is subjected to in the facility. When the time and place for visiting the inmate is unsuitable among the inmates, violence against them in the facility increases. There is no relationship between the availability of security in the correction facility and the patterns of violence the inmate is subjected to. The study aimed at knowing the patterns of violence among correction facility inmates and the factors related to them, including discipline, lack of necessary services, crowding of inmates in the facility or the place and time of visits, their suitability and availability of security. The study aims to find solutions for violence in correction facilities. The study stressed the necessity for the availability of security in correction facilities in a more effective manner among the inmates so that the inmate lives in peace of mind, security and tranquility. Aside from this, the inmate should be able to live peacefully with other inmates. The results of the study showed that the inmate's feeling lack of security in the correction facility encourages him to practice violence against other inmates. The study showed that violent pattern's including abuse, insult and mockery are among the most prevalent patterns of violence among inmates of correction facilities, whether they are practicing it or are victims of such violence or they witness it. The study recommended that there ought to be different social, cultural and recreational activities among inmates of correction facilities so as to achieve interaction in a brotherly atmosphere.
