Harm

Chapter 2 provides a definition of, and framework for, harm (the curse). The recommended definition is ecologically framed and welfare-based, drawing on legal and philosophical frameworks of harm. Harm occurs when an act, inaction, incident, or condition adversely impacts the welfare interests of an individual. The ecosystem of harm has three levels: individual, household, and community. Surveys of harm used in correctional research are reviewed and compared to the original and adapted versions of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire. These harm surveys incompletely and inconsistently measure the harm experienced by justice-involved persons. A framework for measuring harm in accordance with the ecologically framed, welfare-based definition of harm is provided to guide the development of a standardized harm survey.