Urgent call to strengthen protections against prison sexual abuse
September 25, 2024 | Judiciary: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, a corrections expert emphasized the critical need for enhanced measures to prevent sexual abuse in detention facilities. With over 22 years of experience in corrections, including a role as a pre-coordinator in South Carolina, the speaker highlighted the significant progress made since the implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2012. However, they underscored that sexual abuse remains a pressing issue, stating, \"Even one person being sexually abused is too many.\"
The expert outlined several recommendations for Congress to consider, aimed at strengthening the prevention of sexual abuse in correctional settings. Key proposals included:
1. **Support for Pre-Implementation Challenges**: The speaker urged Congress to assist states in overcoming challenges related to PREA implementation, including guidance for prosecuting perpetrators and increasing funding for culture change initiatives within facilities.
2. **Training and Education**: They called for enhanced training for prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement to better understand the prevalence of sexual abuse in correctional facilities and the importance of imposing substantial consequences on offenders.
3. **Increased Funding for PREA**: The expert stressed the necessity of additional funding to fully implement PREA standards and support states still working towards compliance.
4. **Inclusion in DOJ's PREA Working Group**: They recommended that current correctional practitioners be included in the Department of Justice's PREA Working Group to ensure that practical insights inform guidance on standards.
5. **Support for Senate Bill 1422**: The speaker advocated for the passage of this bill, which aims to provide emotional support services for incarcerated survivors of sexual abuse, addressing the capacity issues faced by some correctional agencies.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for the committee to maintain momentum in improving safety within correctional facilities, reinforcing the commitment of dedicated professionals working to uphold the dignity and safety of individuals in custody.
The expert outlined several recommendations for Congress to consider, aimed at strengthening the prevention of sexual abuse in correctional settings. Key proposals included:
1. **Support for Pre-Implementation Challenges**: The speaker urged Congress to assist states in overcoming challenges related to PREA implementation, including guidance for prosecuting perpetrators and increasing funding for culture change initiatives within facilities.
2. **Training and Education**: They called for enhanced training for prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement to better understand the prevalence of sexual abuse in correctional facilities and the importance of imposing substantial consequences on offenders.
3. **Increased Funding for PREA**: The expert stressed the necessity of additional funding to fully implement PREA standards and support states still working towards compliance.
4. **Inclusion in DOJ's PREA Working Group**: They recommended that current correctional practitioners be included in the Department of Justice's PREA Working Group to ensure that practical insights inform guidance on standards.
5. **Support for Senate Bill 1422**: The speaker advocated for the passage of this bill, which aims to provide emotional support services for incarcerated survivors of sexual abuse, addressing the capacity issues faced by some correctional agencies.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for the committee to maintain momentum in improving safety within correctional facilities, reinforcing the commitment of dedicated professionals working to uphold the dignity and safety of individuals in custody.
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