What does the Prison Rape Elimination Act aim to address?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) specifically aims to address and reduce incidents of sexual assault within prisons. This federal law was enacted in 2003 to establish a zero-tolerance standard for sexual assault and rape in correctional facilities. It mandates that prisons and jails implement policies and practices designed to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse.

By focusing on this critical issue, PREA not only seeks to protect inmates from sexual violence but also to improve the overall safety and security within correctional environments. The act supports the development of better reporting mechanisms, provides guidelines for investigation, and encourages training for staff on how to handle such situations effectively. Thus, its primary goal is to ensure the safety and dignity of individuals in correctional facilities by actively working to minimize and ultimately eradicate sexual assault incidents.