What does the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) enforce?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) enforces a standard of zero tolerance for sexual abuse within correctional facilities. This legislation was enacted to address and prevent sexual violence against inmates, ensuring that all correctional institutions develop policies and procedures designed to eliminate sexual abuse. By establishing a zero tolerance standard, PREA mandates that facilities implement comprehensive approaches, including prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of incidents of sexual assault.

This focus on zero tolerance underscores the seriousness of sexual abuse and aims to create a safer environment for inmates, promoting their dignity and well-being. Facilities are required to take proactive steps to prevent sexual violence and uphold the rights of individuals within the correctional system, which aligns directly with the goals of PREA.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of criminal justice or public safety but do not encapsulate the main goal of PREA, which is centered on the prevention and elimination of sexual abuse in prisons and jails.