The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), passed in 2003 with final standards passing in 2012, is a federal law that enforces a "zero-tolerance" policy for sexual harassment, assault, and rape in correctional facilities. Its core message is clear: rape is not part of the punishment for being incarcerated.
The PREA Standards
There are two key PREA standards important for victim advocates:
- 115.21: Focuses on evidence collection and forensic medical exams, ensuring that evidence is gathered effectively and that survivors receive proper medical care.
- 115.53: Ensures inmates have access to confidential support services from outside organizations, like rape crisis centers.
Understanding these standards helps advocates better support survivors and fulfill their role effectively. Learn more about the PREA standards to see how they guide advocacy work.
Resources and Webinars
Understanding how sexual abuse occurs in detention and learning to support incarcerated survivors are essential skills for advocates. MCASA offers an online library with webinars and other trainings to help advocates respond effectively to sexual assault in correctional settings. These resources provide tools and guidance for offering the best possible care and support to incarcerated survivors.
MOU Roadmap for Member Rape Crisis Centers
Advocates are not required to follow PREA. However, correctional facilities often partner with rape crisis centers to meet PREA standards, ensuring incarcerated survivors can access outside sexual assault services. To help rape crisis centers navigate these partnerships, MCASA has created a model memorandum of understanding (MOU). This resource includes sample language and guidance on key considerations for establishing effective agreements.
For more information on MCASA’s model MOU and roadmap, please email [email protected] or call 301-328-7023.
Resources
- MCASA Fact Sheets
- Working with Survivors Who are Inmates
This MCASA webpage offers practical information to advocates who will work with survivors who are incarcerated, including logistical factors to keep in mind when advocating within the correctional facility, considerations when working with survivors who are incarcerated, and MOU availability.
- Hope Behind Bars
This JDI advocate guide offers a more in-depth look at PREA, the need for advocates in correctional facilities, and barriers to overcome in assisting victims of sexual abuse in prison.
- Protecting LGBT Prisoners
This ACLU resource provides additional information for assisting LGBT inmates, including defining terms, explaining special requirements for transgendered individuals, and suggested procedures advocates may follow if a correctional facility is not compliant with PREA.
- Building Partnerships Between RCCs and Correctional Facilities
- Parternships Between Correctional Agencies and Community-Based Service Providers
- Webinars
For more information on PREA, different types of services, and working with specific populations in incarceration facilities, please review MCASA's Online Training Library. For additional webinars, visit Just Detention International, The PREA Resource Center, and FORGE.
