PREA Resources and Information

Learn About the PREA Standards

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted in 2003 with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President George W. Bush. PREA is founded on the guiding principle that “rape is not part of the punishment.”

The final PREA standards were issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2012, establishing a zero‑tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional settings.

These standards require correctional agencies to:

  • prevent, detect, and respond to incidents of sexual abuse and harassment;
  • ensure survivors incarcerated have access to confidential services via community-based rape crisis centers and victim advocates;
  • provide safe reporting mechanisms, training, and support;
  • conduct investigations, medical exams, and follow-up care.

For more detailed information, visit the PREA Resource Center

1 in 10 youth in juvenile facilities reported being sexually abused while in detention
81% of reported sexual assaults in youth detention are committed by staff
92% of youth in detention who reported staff sexual abuse were victimized by female staff.
Inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse is 3x higher for women than for men.
Half of all sexual abuse behind bars is committed by staff.
Who is most vulnerable to sexual abuse in detention?
What happens when staff are caught abusing kids in detention?

Key PREA Standards for Victim Advocates

  • Standard 115.21 — Evidence Protocol and Forensic Medical Examinations:
    Agencies must offer the survivor access to forensic medical examinations (such as Sexual Assault Nurse/Forensic Examiner exams), using an evidence protocol. Where possible, survivors should be allowed to be accompanied by a victim advocate.
  • Standard 115.53 — Inmate Access to Outside Confidential Services:
    Agencies should attempt to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with outside victim advocacy/rape crisis programs. Inmates must have phone and mail access to these confidential services.

Other Relevant PREA Standards

  • Standard 115.51 — Inmate Reporting:
    Multiple internal reporting options are required; at least one reporting path must be external — i.e. to a public or private entity outside the correctional agency.
  • Standard 115.82 — Access to Emergency Medical and Mental Health Services:
    Victims must receive timely access to crisis intervention, emergency medical services, and mental health support.
  • Standard 115.83 — Ongoing Medical and Mental Health Care:
    Agencies must ensure follow‑up care: treatment plans, referrals, continuing services for physical and mental health.

Wyoming Department of Corrections(DOC) PREA Page

Key information from the WDOC PREA page:
  • WDOC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment in all correctional settings. (https://corrections.wyo.gov/services-and-programs/prison-rape-elimination-act-prea)
  • All allegations are thoroughly investigated in accordance with PREA standards.
  • Third-party reporting is supported: Anyone may report a PREA-related incident on behalf of an incarcerated individual by calling the confidential hotline at 1-877-9NOHARM.
  • Additional confidential reporting line: Individuals outside the facility can report sexual abuse or harassment by calling 1-877-966-4276.

Victim services contact:

In accordance with PREA standards, WDOC will provide incarcerated individuals with the Goshen County Task Force contact information:
Phone: (307) 532-2118
Mailing Address:

PO Box 561
Torrington, WY 82240

WDOC publishes annual PREA reports that include audit results for each facility. All facilities are audited at least once every three years.

Resources for Advocates

Additional Links & Acknowledgments

Sources: