PREA
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was signed into law in 2003 to eliminate incidents of sexual abuse in federal, state, and local confinement institutions. PREA enforces accountability measures upon correctional institutions and correctional professionals to provide the sexual safety of all individuals while in custody.
PREA at D.C. DOC
The D.C. Department of Corrections has a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct against any person who works, visits, or is confined in any of its facilities or contractor-operated facilities. DOC prevents, detects, responds to, investigates, and supports the prosecution of all sexual abuse within all facilities operated by the agency and its contractors. DOC strictly prohibits all sexual acts between inmates, arrestees, and halfway house residents. The agency also prohibits all sexual acts between staff and inmates, arrestees, or residents.
PREA Victim Services
PREA victim services provide trauma specific therapy for inmate survivors struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological trauma resulting from sexual victimization with the ultimate goal of community-based referral and transition services to further assist and empower survivors of sexual violence.
Reporting Sexual Harassment or Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or sexual abuse while incarcerated in a DOC facility or in the halfway house, you may:
- Call the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) by using the DC Victim Hotline at (844) 443-5732 or 1-844-4HELPDC. This resource is located outside of the DOC, which also provides referral services, crisis intervention and emotional support services.
- Report to any DOC staff person, volunteer, or contractor.
- Submit a written complaint or Emergency Grievance (if in imminent danger of sexual abuse).
- Any person such as a family member, a friend or another inmate may report on an inmate’s behalf.
- Contact the DOC PREA Coordinator at 202-523-7275.
You may use any of the above reporting methods to request to remain anonymous when reporting sexual harassment or sexual abuse.
