Introduction
The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment and makes prevention a top priority. The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is a federal law that seeks to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual misconduct. This law applies to all federal and state prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, juvenile facilities, and community correctional settings. DOC is dedicated to maintaining safety for all inmates and others inside its facilities, with PREA as a top priority.
Inmates who are being sexually harassed, abused, or assaulted are encouraged to talk to a staff member. This will allow for the quickest response. Each institution has a Sexual Assault Response Team that can respond and ensure needed services are provided.
PREA was passed unanimously by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2003 to reduce incidents of sexual violence, sexual coercion, and sexual solicitation. It requires corrections and law enforcement agencies to enhance education, investigation, protection, prevention of re-victimization, and prosecution. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized and published national PREA standards for all prisons, jails, lockups, and detention facilities in the United States.
Click the links on the left hand side to learn more about PREA and how to report an incident.