Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

About

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 is a federal law that prohibits sexual misconduct in correctional settings such as prisons, jails, lockups, juvenile facilities, and Immigration Services/ICE detention facilities . Sexual misconduct under this law includes:

  • Incarcerated individual-on-incarcerated individual sexual assault and abuse
  • Staff-on-incarcerated individual sexual misconduct (sexual/inappropriate relationships with incarcerated individuals)
  • Incarcerated individual-on-incarcerated individual and staff-on-incarcerated individual sexual harassment

The Department of Correction's (DOC) policies regarding sexual misconduct apply to all incarcerated individuals, both in a prison or reentry center and on community supervision. They also apply to employees, contractors, and volunteers.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for staff and incarcerated individuals. Every report is taken seriously and all allegations will be thoroughly, promptly, and objectively investigated.

DOC Policy 490.800 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Prevention & Reporting specifies that incarcerated individuals, visitors, incarcerated individual family members/associates, and other community members can report:

  1. Allegations of sexual misconduct,
  2. Retaliation of incarcerated individuals or staff for reporting sexual misconduct, and/or
  3. Staff actions or neglect that may have contributed to an incident of sexual misconduct.

If you have information regarding a DOC incarcerated individuals who has been the victim of sexual misconduct while under DOC custody or community supervision, please report it in one of the following ways:

Call

Toll Free: (914) 530-6131
TTY: (844) 242-1201

Calls are recorded, and messages are checked Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Email

docprea@doc.wa.gov

Email to report sexual misconduct or request additional information.

Mail

PREA
PO BOX 41131
Olympia, WA 98504-1131

Mail to report sexual misconduct or request additional information.

In your report it is critical that you provide as many details as possible. This includes:

  • The name(s) and locations of persons involved
  • The name(s) or description of any witnesses to the incident
  • DOC Number (if an incarcerated individuals)
  • A brief description of the incident(s)
  • A brief description of where the event(s) occurred
  • The date(s), time and place of occurrence(s)
  • Names and contact information of others who might have additional information about the incident
  • Your contact phone number and address (optional)
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