The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 and Custodial Sexual Misconduct

Jackson County Community Justice (JCCJ) mandates a zero tolerance for any incidence of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault of any person(s) residing at the Jackson County Work Center in any of the many programs offered. All staff, volunteers, contractors and inmates must abide by this and related policies, laws, and standards that help prevent, detect, reduce, and punish sexual assault.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was signed into law September 2003 by President George W. Bush. Its main purpose is to protect the Eighth Amendment rights of Federal, State, and local prisoners. PREA makes the prevention of sexual assault of incarcerated persons a top priority with national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction and punishment of sexual misconduct and sexual assaults in prisons and jails. It also increases accountability for administrators who fail to prevent, reduce and punish such misconduct.

Any Sexual and/or romantic activity between staff and inmates is prohibited and against the law. Sexual activity between inmates is also prohibited by JCCJ Policy and Procedure and may also be a crime.

There is no such thing as consensual sex in custody.

Jackson County Community Justice will aggressively respond to and investigate any and all allegations of rape and/or sexual misconduct. JCCJ supports the prosecution of sexual misconduct and sexual assaults, in partnership with law enforcement and county prosecutors. JCCJ staff are required to report and respond to incidents of rape, sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.

Residents/clients are encouraged to speak with deputies, medical staff, mental health professionals, attorneys, program volunteers, family members, friends, or anyone who can assist them in putting a stop to any and all sexual misconduct or abuse. They can also write letters, leave notes, utilize the client request form, leave phone messages for the PREA Coordinator or file a grievance.

If you were sexually abused while in custody or know of someone that was sexually abused while in custody, you should report it immediately. Although reporting can be difficult to do, it will keep you and others safe from more harm. All information is confidential and will be subject to verification by investigators. Falsely reporting a sexual crime is itself a crime. If a false report is submitted by an resident/client they will be held accountable.

You may file a complaint regarding rape and/or sexual misconduct that occurred while residing at the Jackson County Transition Center by calling this confidential number:

PREA Coordinator at 541-774-6633

If you feel you have an urgent crime to report call 911.

You can learn more about PREA at the websites for the National Institute of Corrections, the National Prison Elimination Commission and the National PREA Resource Center.

Additional Sexual Assault Support Resources:
Community Works 24 hour support line 541-779-4357 or toll free at 1-855-216-2111