April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month - #ImplementPREA Week of Action: April 25th-29th

Over a decade ago, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) unanimously passed Congress.  The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued final regulations in August 2012 to implement PREA in order to end sexual violence behind bars. YOUR VOICE was instrumental in getting these regulations published and the Youthful Inmate Standard is a powerful tool in removing youth from adult jails and prisons.

Now we need you to help us #ImplementPREA!

The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission found that, "more than any other group of incarcerated persons, youth incarcerated with adults are probably at the highest risk for sexual abuse."  In a recent Bureau of Justice Statistics’ study, data showed that three-quarters of youthful inmates aged 16 and 17 that reported sexual abuse (75.5%) were victimized more than once by staff and less than 1 in 10 reported the staff sexual misconduct to anyone.   Additionally, two-thirds (65.5%) of those youth that reported abuse were victimized more than once by other inmates. Yet, still on any given day, over 5,000 youth are detained or confined in adult jails and prisons.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During the week of April 25th, you can help CFYJ highlight PREA efforts across the country, at the state and federal levels. By May 15th, Governors will have to certify whether their state is in compliance with PREA, or make assurances that federal dollars will be used to come into compliance.

Help us monitor state responses and continue to advocate for full PREA implementation. Use #ImplementPREA to show your support.

Please visit our blog during the week of April 25th for updates on PREA from around the country.

Stay tuned for a possible #ImplementPREA Tweet chat during that week.

Additionally, here are some sample posts for social media, please share:

Twitter:

"There's No Excuse" national week of action to end prison rape #ImplementPREA

Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed to end sexual abuse behind bars. Act now to #ImplementPREA

PROBLEM: Jails & prisons are not equipped to protect youth from dangers of adult facilities. SOLUTION: #ImplementPREA

PREA would help the more than 2 million people behind bars including the 100K youth in jails & prisons every day  #ImplementPREA

There's No Excuse! Protect Children from Rape in Adult Jails & Prisons. Take Action TODAY #ImplementPREA

Implementing PREA will save lives. Join our efforts to protect youth behind bars #ImplementPREA

Facebook:

On any given day, over 5,000 youth are confined in adult jails and prisons. Research shows that youth are not safe in adult facilities and are at the greatest risk of sexual victimization. Youth are 36X more likely to commit suicide in an adult jail than in a juvenile detention facility. Take Action during the "There's No Excuse" #ImplementPREA.

Prison rape is no laughing matter: More than 2 million people behind bars including youth in jails & prisons are at risk of sexual abuse every day. The Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed to end sexual abuse behind bars. It’s time for Governors to ensure that PREA is implemented in every state. Learn more and take action #ImplementPREA.

In Solidarity,

The Campaign for Youth Justice