the Prison Rape Elimination Act

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), enacted in 2003, is a U.S. federal law aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to sexual abuse and assault in correctional facilities such as prisons, jails, and detention centers. It sets national standards for how facilities must handle allegations, protect victims, and reduce abuse. PREA also requires regular reporting and oversight to ensure compliance, fostering safer environments for inmates and staff alike. Its goal is to eliminate sexual violence in detention settings through policies, training, and accountability measures.