PREA

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is the first United States federal law passed dealing with the sexual assault of prisoners.  The bill was signed into law on September 4, 2003.  PREA covers all adult as well as juvenile detention facilities and establishes a zero-tolerance standard against sexual assaults and rapes of incarcerated persons of any age. The Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is committed to protecting the resident’s right to be safe from sexual abuse and sexual harassment in our facilities.

How does PREA impact OJA facilities?

• PREA addresses the detection, elimination and prevention of sexual assault in OJA facilities across Oklahoma.
• PREA funds the development of national standards of compliance and accountability for juveniles in our custody.
• PREA directs the collection and dissemination of information on the incidence of youth-on-youth sexual violence as well as staff sexual misconduct with youth in OJA custody.

For PREA purposes, the term "prison" applies to all federal, state, and local prisons, jails, police lock-ups, temporary holding cells, private facilities, and community settings such as residential facilities.  The term "inmate" applies to any person of any age held in a custodial setting for any length of time by any of the facility types mentioned above.

How do I report Incidents of Sexual Assault or Sexual Abuse?
OJA will accept reports of allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment of OJA residents from third parties (i.e., family, legal guardian, friend, etc.). All allegations will be investigated:

1. Tell any facility staff member.
2. Call the DHS Hotline at 1-800-522-3511  
3. Send a confidential email to prea.complaint@oja.ok.gov

What is the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission?

PREA established a National Prison Rape Elimination Commission (NPREC) with nine members appointed by both the President and Congress.  The Commission’s primary mission is to carry out a comprehensive legal and factual study of the impact of prison rape in the United States.  The Commission is charged with studying federal, state and local government policies and practices related to the prevention, detection, response and monitoring of sexual abuse in correction and detention facilities in the United States.  The NPREC studies all types of sexual abuse affecting persons of any age who are in confinement in the U.S.