Survivors in Detention Facilities

What is PREA?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is the first federal law passed to address sexual violence in prisons and jails. PREA states that sexual assault in detention can constitute a violation of the eighth amendment of the U.S. Constitution and requires that facilities adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this form of abuse. PREA's requirements apply to all detention facilities, including federal and state prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, and immigration detention centers (Just Detention International).

PREA in Washington State

WCSAP was fortunate to receive an initial PREA grant award in 2004 to work collaboratively with stakeholders and the state Department of Corrections on PREA considerations. The funding supported critical partnerships, the development of internal practices for the Department, and training and resource development for sexual assault community advocates in Washington State.

To date, the state continues to address PREA issues. The responsibility to ensure adequate response and protocols are in place falls to the facility. Community sexual assault advocates have responded by providing support groups or other like activities in prisons. There are funding restrictions that may prohibit such activities. Programs should consult with their funding source to ensure services are supported.

Additional Online Resources

• The National Prison Elimination Commission Report.2009.
• Standards for the Prevention, Detection, Response, and Monitoring of Sexual Abuse in Adult Prisons and Jails. National Prison Rape Elimination Commission. 2009.
• The Basics about Sexual Abuse in U.S. Detention, Just Detention International, January 2009.
• Prison Rape: A Critical Review of the Literature. Gaes and Goldberg. National Institute of Justice, 2004.
• The Department of Justice's Efforts to Prevent Staff Sexual Abuse of Federal Inmates. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. September 2009.
• No Escape: Male Rape in U.S. Prisons. Human Rights Watch. 2001.
• Report on Rape in Jails in the U.S : McFarland, Ellis, & Chunn. Department of Justice. 2008.
• Special Report: Sexual Victimization in Juvenile Facilities, Reported by Youth 2008-09. Beck, Harrison, & Guerino. Bureau of Justice Statistics. 2010.
• Meeting the Needs of Prison Rape Victims: A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual Assault Counselors and Advocates. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. 2006.
• Still in Danger: The Ongoing Treat of Sexual Violence to Transgender Persons, Just Detention International.2005.
• The Prison Rape Elimination Act, Just Detention Internation.2009.