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Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Vermont Department of Corrections has a zero tolerance for sexual abuse. The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties in Congress. The purpose of the act was to “provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in Federal, State, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.” This law applies to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders.

PREA Resources

How to Report Institutional Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment

If you have information regarding sexual abuse, sexual harassment or retaliation against any person under the supervision of the Vermont Department of Corrections (Department) Email DOC PREA Staff or call (802) 241-0070. All comunications are routed to the Department.

If you call during regular business hours your call may be answered by a staff member who will ask you a number questions regarding the allegations.

It is not necessary to identify yourself, but you can leave contact information if you choose.

If your call is placed during non-business hours you will be asked to leave a message that includes as much incident detail as possible:

  1. The facility where the alleged abuse occurred
  2. The nature of the sexual abuse being reported
  3. The names or descriptions of those involved in the alleged abuse
  4. Any additional details that will assist the investigation of this incident

The details of all reports of sexual abuse and sexual harassment are forwarded to the Prison Rape Elimination (PREA) Office and the Superintendent of the facility where the alleged incident is reported to have occurred.

An investigation will be conducted at the facility. The PREA Office will work with the facility to ensure that all department policies and procedures are followed regarding the incident.

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Distrubuted to staff and inmates

PREA Poster(s)

These posters (or similar) are displayed in each facility living unit.

PREA Brochures

PREA Standards

Department Directive # 409.09

409.09 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Staff Sexual Misconduct Facilities, supersedes VT DOC Incarcerated Persons Reporting Line

Attachments, Forms & Companion Documents:

  1. PREA Incarcerated Individual Orientation Form
  2. Video:  What you need to Know

Sexual Abuse Notifications

After the emergent situation is contained, the Supervisor will notify the Superintendent.  Notifications will then be made to central office executives as necessary to include, at a minimum, the Facilities Executive and PREA Coordinator.  The Vermont Department of Corrections has Memorandum's of Understanding with the Vermont State Police to handle all criminal investigations and the Department of Human Resources Investigations Unit to handle all staff misconduct allegations.  The Department cooperates fully with both entities to ensure that all investigative materials are provided completely and in a timely manner.  DOC will complete the administrative investigation regardless of victim cooperation or criminal prosecution.  

Department Directive #405 Incident Reporting

Learn more about PREA

Aggregated Sexual Abuse Data

Public Facilities

Annual Internal Report
Federal Survey on Sexual Victimization

Privately Contracted Facilities

Federal Survey on Sexual Victimization

Facility PREA Audits – Final Instruments

Cycle Three Year Four

Cycle Two Year Four

Cycle One Year Four

Cycle Three Year Three

Cycle Three Year Two

Cycle Three Year 1

Cycle Two - 2018

Cycle Two - 2017

Cycle One – 2015

Cycle One - 2014

Privately Contracted Facility Audit Reports

Links with more information about PREA

More Information