PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed in 2003 with a purpose to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in Federal, State, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” The Department of Justice  passed the final rule on PREA Standards which became federally mandated effective August 20, 2012. 

The Office of Community Corrections is committed to supporting the full implementation of PREA with the goal of preventing, reducing and eliminating sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in  Colorado community corrections facilities. This goal will be met by supporting Colorado community corrections facilities to:

• Create zero tolerance (PDF) for sexual misconduct, harassment and abusee
• Educate clients and train staff regarding PREA
• Develop effective PREA policies and procedures
• Provide safety (PDF) from sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse
• Support reporting  (PDF) of sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse
• Investigate and report (PDF) incidents of sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse
• Provide medical and mental health interventions (PDF)for victims of sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse
• Meet compliance with the federal PREA auditing requirements (PDF)

Forms

• Screening for risk of sexual victimization or abusiveness form  ( Word - use for Diversion and DOC clients )
• Survey of Sexual Victimization Data Reporting Template (PDF)

PREA Standards and Information

• PREA Community Confinement Standards (PDF)
• PREA General Definitions (PDF)
• PREA FAQ
• Quick Reference To PREA Community Confinement Standards (PDF)

Reporting Hotlines

• PREA Crisis Hotline - (800) 809-2344  (Free, confidential calls for emotional support and crisis intervention. Calls are not recorded.)  
• Department of Corrections TIPS line: (877) 362-2344
• Email: doc_prea_program@state.co.us

Resources 

• Colorado Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) map
• Sexual Assault Counseling and Support Services
• National Center for Transgender Equality guide to ending abuse of LGBT prisoners
• C.R.S. 18-7-701: Sexual Conduct In A Correctional Institution (PDF) 

The National PREA Resource Center (PRC) web site contains many resources including articles, FAQ, webinars and access to technical assistance resources. The PRC curricula page has access to free training modules designed to address PREA requirements for staff training, client education and other topics. You can also find online PREA training resources at the NIC PREA training page (browser must be cookie enabled). 

Office of Community Corrections PREA Coordinator: Jim Pyle, jim.pyle@state.co.us, (303) 239-4460