Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Sexual Assault Awareness

What is PREA?

PREA stands for the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on Sept. 4, 2003. The final regulatory standards to implement PREA went into effect on August 20, 2012.

What is the purpose of PREA?

PREA is intended to address the detection, prevention, reduction and prosecution of sexual harassment and sexual assault in all correctional facilities in the country.

To what facilities does PREA apply?

PREA applies to all confinement facilities in the state. This includes all prisons, jails, police lock-ups, juvenile facilities, immigration detention centers, court holding facilities, and community corrections facilities (home monitoring, probation, parole, half-way houses).

What constitutes staff sexual misconduct with offenders?

Staff sexual misconduct with offenders is generally defined as any behavior or act of a sexual nature by:

• A Sheriff’s office employee (sworn or civilian, managers, administrators, supervisors, line officers, supervisors of offenders on work release)
• A contractor
• A food service employee
• A maintenance worker
• A volunteer
• A medical or mental      health staff member (clinical staff and counselors)
• A member of the clergy
• Vendors
• Youth workers
• Teachers

What should someone do if they suspect a sexual assault has occurred in a correctional facility?

Anyone who suspects or has knowledge of any sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual misconduct in any juvenile or adult detention or correctional facility should report it to a staff member, volunteer, supervisor, administrator or human resources official Inmates may file grievances, tell their family or talk with a correctional officer or any staff member with whom they feel comfortable and trust. Anyone who receives a report of sexual abuse in any confinement setting must send it up the chain of command for investigation and disposition.

Reporting of Sexual Assault

Every report that is made is taken seriously and will be investigated fully. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has a ZERO tolerance policy for any sexual assaults made or attempted by any inmate or staff member in the Detention facility. Reports can be made anonymously by friends or family members at any time by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 850-983-1100 or 850-983-1135.

For more information you can go to www.prearesourcecenter.org