Prison Fellowship Hails Bipartisan Panel’s Guidelines to Prevent Prison Rape

Federal Commission Releases Standards to Eliminate Sexual Abuse in U.S. Prisons

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2009—This week, the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission released a landmark proposal with guidelines for eradicating sexual abuse in prisons during a  press conference at the National Press Club in Washington.  The bipartisan commission was created by Congress as part of the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), 42 U.S.C. § 15601, et seq. to study federal, state and local government policies and practices related to the prevention, detection, response and monitoring of sexual abuse in correction and detention facilities in the United States.

Calling the high incidence of prison rape "a moral outrage," Prison Fellowship applauded the release of guidelines to eliminate sexual abuse in prisons across the country as a significant step forward in the effort to ensure justice for the incarcerated.

"Prison rape is not a comfortable discussion topic for many Americans, regardless of their religious or political affiliation," said Pat Nolan, a member of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission and a vice president of Prison Fellowship.  "At Prison Fellowship, we strongly believe the time has come to bring it to an end.  As a society, we have the responsibility to protect those we send to prison from abuses such as rape and sexual assault."

Describing prison rape as a moral as well as a legal issue, Nolan noted that Prison Fellowship's work with other religious and political groups during the past several years was largely responsible for drawing attention to the issue and urging Congress to provide protection for prisoners.  These efforts were rewarded in 2003 with the signing of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which established the Commission to produce guidelines and develop standards for corrections and detention facilities.

The Commission's recent findings, conclusions and recommendations were delivered to President Obama, Congress, the U.S. Attorney General, and other federal and state officials.  Consistent with the Act, the Commission recommended national standards for enhancing the detection, prevention, reduction and punishment of sexual assault in America's jails, prisons, lockups, juvenile facilities, community corrections and other detention facilities.

MEDIA NOTE:  Nolan is available to discuss the commission's recommendations.  Contact Michelle Farmer  (770) 813-0000 or (770) 757-4900 cell.  Media materials, including high-res, downloadable photos of Nolan, are available in this newsroom.

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