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

• NCJ Number: 234729
• Author(s): Barbara Owen; Brenda Smith; Allen Beck
• Date Published: February 2008
• Length: 0 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis; Issue Overview

Annotation

This online forum (audio and slide presentation) - co-sponsored by the Harvard Kennedy School's Government Innovators Network and the National Institute of Justice - features a panel of experts who discuss the state of research on the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

Abstract

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.