What is the “Prison Rape Elimination Act” (PREA) designed to address?

The “Prison Rape Elimination Act” (PREA) is specifically designed to address the prevention of sexual assault and sexual abuse in correctional facilities. This federal law was enacted to create a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual violence in prisons, jails, and other detention facilities. It emphasizes the importance of protecting inmates from sexual harassment and abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being while incarcerated.

PREA sets forth standards for the reporting, investigation, and prevention of sexual assault, requiring correctional facilities to implement measures that promote a culture of safety and accountability. It also mandates data collection regarding incidents of sexual assault to improve oversight and inform policies aimed at protecting inmates.

While other options mentioned may relate to the broader context of correctional facility operations, none directly tackle the core issue of preventing sexual violence as PREA does.