PREA (prison rape elimination act) training?

Aurora · Jun 10, 2005

I have never heard of it in California, Virginia or Arizona (natcherly) prisons. Seems like a custody issue to me. Theoretically, the COs are responsible for protecting the inmates from danger and harm. What is medical supposed to do about it? You can't tell a CO anything much --- makes the stupid ones extra mad and uncooperative.

Salty1 · Jun 10, 2005

I have never heard of it in California, Virginia or Arizona (natcherly) prisons. Seems like a custody issue to me. Theoretically, the COs are responsible for protecting the inmates from danger and harm. What is medical supposed to do about it? You can't tell a CO anything much --- makes the stupid ones extra mad and uncooperative.

I would agree that it appears to be primarily a custody issue. The program, enacted as a Federal Law, provides funding for training and is administered by National Institute of Corrections. The law's function at present appears to be one of collecting data from prisoners and ex-prisoners to determine the incidence of rape within correctional facilities-presumably to aid in the establishment of practices and procedures to reduce or eliminate the problem.

Some facilities segregate inmates on the basis of their sexual orientation and also place young and vulnerable inmates in a "safer" area of the detention facility. It all sounds good in theory but in practice may have a different result.

ksane · Jul 8, 2005

Massachusetts has a state Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program that has developed protocols (delivered through the MA Department of Public Health) to care for sexually assaulted inmates. Does anyone have similar?

Geeg · Aug 4, 2005

This prison rape elimination is a great idea. Is there anything we can do to encact this proposal on "the outside."

TxCCNurseMedic · Aug 15, 2005

Is or has anyone received any training regarding the PREA laws enacted in 2003? It was described during our general training day this year, but no healthcare indications or guidelines..........is anyone else really doing anything with PREA?

In Texas we began hearing about PREA last year. We've received training on it and it is being utilized. We have a great Safe Prisons Lt. who keeps us informed of any changes. All of our clinics and Nurses Stations, Pharmacy, Lab, etc have the Safe Prison Binder readily available if needed.

We follow the PREA guidlines whenever it is appropriate. Our sexual assualts have gone down considerably since this was put into place.