What is the purpose of the Prison Rape Elimination Act?

The purpose of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is to mandate record-keeping of prison rapes and study solutions to prevent and address sexual assaults in correctional facilities. This act was established to provide a framework for collecting data regarding incidents of rape and sexual assault within prisons, jails, and other detention facilities. PREA seeks to create a safer environment for inmates by focusing on the reporting, prevention, and reduction of sexual abuse in these settings. By requiring facilities to keep accurate records and analyze this information, the act aims to foster a culture of accountability and thorough examination of the underlying issues contributing to prison rape. The studies and reports generated from this data can lead to improvements in policies and practices designed to protect inmates and eliminate sexual violence in correctional environments.