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Prison Rape Elimination Act

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

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 aimed at eliminating sexual abuse and misconduct in correctional settings.
DOC is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all adults in custody, staff, and visitors. PREA standards apply to all correctional facilities, including prisons, jails, lock-ups, and community corrections programs.
Reporting and Response

Adults in custody who experience sexual harassment, abuse, or assault are encouraged to report it to a staff member as soon as possible. Each institution has a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) to ensure a prompt response and access to appropriate services and support.

About PREA

PREA was passed unanimously by Congress and signed into law in 2003. It requires correctional and law enforcement agencies to strengthen prevention, detection, investigation, and response to sexual abuse. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice established national PREA standards for facilities across the United States.

Learn More

Use the links on the left to learn more about PREA and how to report an incident.