Learn about the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is federal legislation, enacted in 2003 to provide for:

• analysis of incidents and effects of prison rape in federal, state and local institutions

• information, resources, recommendations, and funding

• protection of individuals from prison rape

The Department of Correction does not tolerate any form of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. We commit to preventing, detecting, and responding to such conduct. If you would like to report a PREA allegation please contact us.

The department embraces the standards set forth by the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission and the American Correction Association for all state correctional jurisdictions.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act:

• Makes incidences of sexual abuse a top priority for our department

• Establishes national standards for detection, prevention, response, and reduction of inmate sexual assaults

• Increases data to improve management of incidences

• Increases accountability of prison officials

• Works to provide mental health counseling and medical healthcare to victims

Trained nurses from the Rape Crisis Center at the Boston Beth Israel Hospital are available to respond to the needs of sexual assault victims.

We treat every investigation of sexual abuse by staff or other inmates in a confidential and professional manner. Every member of our department attends PREA awareness training. We will discipline and prosecute those who sexually abuse inmates. Gender, sexual preference, or gender identity is never a factor in our investigations.

Video Credit: Georgia Department of Correction Youtube Channel and the National Institute of Corrections.