PREA
The federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) gives all inmates the right to be free from sexual abuse and sexual harassment. If someone you know, who is incarcerated, has experienced any sexual violence while in jail, we want to know!
Why Make a Report?
- All reports are investigated.
- Victims have rights to services, even if they choose not to file charges.
- Perpetrators are held accountable.
How to File a Report
- Tell any Sheriff’s Office staff member.
- Call the PREA coordinator: (740) 833-2840, option #8
- Send an e-mail: JailPREACoordinator@co.delaware.oh.us
NOTE: ALL reports are handled confidentially. We will take every step necessary to protect any inmate who reports sexual violence.
Definitions & Statistics
The following graphic represents the 2023 activity on reports of sexual harassment/abuse, followed by the legal definitions.
Sexual Harassment: Repeated and unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; verbal comments, gestures or actions of a derogatory or offensive sexual nature by one inmate that are directed toward another; repeated verbal comments or gestures of a sexual nature to an inmate, detainee or resident by a staff member, contractor or volunteer, including demeaning references to gender, sexually suggestive or derogatory comments about body or clothing, or obscene language or gestures
Sexual Abuse by Inmate: Any of the following acts, if the inmate does not consent, is coerced into such act by overt or implied threats of violence or is unable to consent or refuse:
- Contact between the penis and the vulva or the penis and the anus, including penetration, however slight
- Contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva or anus
- Penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person, however slight, by a hand, finger, object or other instrument
- Any other intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh or the buttocks of another person, excluding contact incidental to a physical altercation
Sexual Abuse by Staff, Contractor, or Volunteer: Any of the following acts, with or without consent of the inmate:
- Contact between the penis and the vulva or the penis and the anus, including penetration, however slight
- Contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva or anus
- Penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person, however slight, by a hand, finger, object or other instrument
- Penetration of the anal or genital opening, however slight, by a hand, finger, object or other instrument, that is unrelated to official duties, or where the staff member, contractor or volunteer has the intent to abuse, arouse or gratify sexual desire
- Any other intentional contact, either directly or through the clothing, of or with the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh or the buttocks, that is unrelated to official duties, or where the staff member, contractor or volunteer has the intent to abuse, arouse or gratify sexual desire
- Any attempt, threat or request by a staff member, contractor or volunteer to engage in the activities described above
- Any display by a staff member, contractor or volunteer of his/her uncovered genitalia, buttocks or breast in the presence of an inmate, detainee or resident
- Voyeurism by a staff member, contractor or volunteer
Substantiated Allegation: an allegation that was investigated and determined to have occurred.
Unsubstantiated Allegation: an allegation that was investigated and the investigation produced insufficient evidence to make a final determination as to whether or not the event occurred.
Unfounded Allegation: an allegation that was investigated and determined not to have occurred.
Policy
Click Here to see the Sheriff’s Office PREA policy.
Click Here for a copy of the 2023 PREA Annual Report.
Click Here to review the PREA Facility Audit Report & Certification.