Sexual Victimization in Prisons: Moving Toward Elimination - Expert Chat Webinar, NIJ and Harvard's Government Innovators Network

In one presentation, the tasks of various Federal agencies mandated under PREA are summarized; PREA's aims are outlined (transparency, accountability, and conformity); the composition and tasks of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission are reviewed; and resources on PREA provisions and implementation are listed. A second presentation reviews sources of data on the incidence and prevalence of prison rapes, findings from adult inmate interviews in State and Federal prisons, results from a 2007 survey to determine sexual victimizations in prison, relevant administrative records collections for 2004-06, and results of a 2006 survey of sexual violence committed by prison staff. A third presentation addresses the context of sexual violence in correctional facilities for women and girls, findings from staff focus groups on women offenders and sexual assault, issues with reporting in-prison sexual offenses, victim characteristics, the role of prior victimization, and a contextual approach for improving security against sexual assault in women's facilities. Also included in the online forum are questions from the online audience and answers from panel members.