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and social withdrawal. Consequently, men’s decreased called Just Detention International – South Africa, this
Behind Bars can be problematic, as their trauma may instead manifest areas in Gauteng. The study aims to provide the first
new project spans all eight correctional management
likelihood of acknowledging or developing depression
comprehensive, province-wide data on sexual and
through behaviours associated with invulnerability. These
physical violence among incarcerated men and is poised
behaviours often include destructive actions, such as
to uncover critical insights into the factors that contribute
outbursts of anger or acts of aggression toward others,
and Beyond: including other men, intimate partners, or children. These to violence within these environments.
insights reinforce the need for mental health programs
These findings will play an essential role in shaping
that encourage men to reassess these norms, which,
evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing
although pervasive, prevent many from confronting and
sexual violence in correctional facilities. With its focus
healing from their experiences of victimisation.
on risk factors and prevalence rates, Nkosi’s research
Confronting the Mental Health Impact Confronting Sexual Violence in South could pave the way for policies and support systems that
acknowledge the unique mental health needs of male
Africa’s Correctional Facilities
survivors in correctional facilities, ultimately aiding their
of Sexual Violence on Incarcerated Men Nkosi’s research was conducted in correctional facilities rehabilitation.
in Tshwane, Gauteng, where sexual violence rates among
male inmates are significantly higher than those in the Supporting Survivors and
general population. Correctional settings globally are Strengthening Justice
marked by elevated risks of both sexual and physical
violence, yet these environments have received limited Protecting the mental health of incarcerated men is not
research and intervention. This lack of attention not only about personal healing; it’s a crucial step in building
only endangers inmates, the mental health and safety of a safer and more just society. South Africa’s epidemic
incarcerated people, but also has societal consequences. of violent crime and the cycle of reoffending can only
Neglecting rehabilitation for incarcerated men often be addressed with a justice system that safeguards
means they return to society without having healed from the well-being of its detained population, rehabilitates
their trauma, which can perpetuate cycles of violence and people convicted of offenses, and encourages personal
crime. transformation.

Nkosi’s work calls attention to the need for interventions
Nkosi’s findings highlight the importance of addressing
the unique challenges faced by men who survive that empower male survivors to confront and heal from
sexual violence in detention facilities. Failing to protect their trauma without stigma. By creating detention
Sexual violence leaves lasting scars on the mental these ideals. Particularly for men assaulted by other men, incarcerated men and support their mental health can environments that foster respect, empathy, and mental
health of survivors, contributing to conditions like Post- this trauma can produce distressing confusion regarding hinder the rehabilitative goals of the correctional system, health support, her research highlights a hopeful path
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), depression, and identity, masculinity, and sexual orientation, compounding increasing the likelihood of reoffending. forward, one that addresses the complex intersections of
substance use disorders. While much of the research feelings of shame and isolation. masculinity, trauma, and rehabilitation within the justice
on this issue has focused on women and children, male system.
survivors are also deeply affected yet their experiences In 2014, SAMRC researcher Dr. Sebenzile Nkosi examined New Research to Address the Crisis of
remain largely overlooked. For men, especially those this conflict in her study. This research investigated how Violence in Correctional Facilities Understanding and supporting the mental health needs
incarcerated, societal expectations of masculinity create men’s mental health is affected by sexual violence in the of male survivors of sexual violence is crucial to fostering
a unique mental health challenge that is complex and context of masculine norms. Her findings revealed that Building on her previous work, Nkosi now leads a a healthier, safer society both inside and outside
often stigmatised. men who internalised rigid ideals of masculinity such National Research Foundation funded study to assess the correctional facilities. By challenging harmful ideals of
as the need to appear tough and unaffected, were less prevalence and risk factors for inmate-on-inmate sexual masculinity and recognising the lasting impact of trauma
The Struggle of Male Survivors likely to report being affected by depression, even after and physical violence among incarcerated men across on male inmates, Nkosi’s work could contribute to a more
experiencing sexual victimisation. Social expectations Gauteng’s correctional facilities. Partnering with other compassionate approach to justice and rehabilitation in
In many cultures, men are expected to be resilient, that prioritise emotional impassivity and control over SAMRC researchers, and a human rights organisation South Africa.
self-sufficient, and emotionally controlled. This social vulnerability often limit men’s ability to recognise and
conditioning creates significant barriers for male survivors express psychological distress, including symptoms of
of sexual violence, who may feel their trauma undermines depression such as low mood, sadness, hopelessness,

20 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 21