In this study, researchers examined unintended effects of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in a women’s prison.
This article discusses unintended effects of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Research on the PREA has overwhelmingly focused on male correctional institutions, neglecting female ones. Sexual violence is also of concern within female prisons, and the need arises to understand whether PREA is achieving the goal of eradicating sexual misconduct in prisons housing women, or if the policy is having unintended effects. Based on results from surveys collected from women (N = 369) incarcerated in a Southeastern U.S. prison, both positive and negative aspects of the act were cited. In terms of the former, the legislation resulted in improvements to prison climate, yet for negatives, participants noted how PREA was being weaponized by staff and peers against other incarcerated women via false allegations. Policy implications are discussed. (Published Abstract Provided)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Long-Term Memory in Adults Exposed to Childhood Violence: Remembering Genital Contact Nearly 20 Years Later
- Insights into turning points from the perspective of young people with out-of-home care experience: events, impact and facilitators of change
- Granting Felons Probation - Public Risks and Alternatives