Safe Prisons Program Offender Sexual Assault

Performance Objectives Define sexual assault as it occurs in prisons. Identify the traits and characteristics of the potential victim. Describe the Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). Identify staff intervention practices. Discuss evidence protocol. Explain Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Understand certain sexual assault characteristics.

Safe Prisons in Texas

Some Areas of Concern Related to Sexually Aggressive Behavior Violence Intimidation and Extortion Suicides Increased “tension” among inmate population Special Housing Increases Healthcare Utilization Danger to Self Legal Liability Consensual Sex

Definitions Exploitation Forcible Rape Predator Rape Sexual Assault

Victim Profile – Who is Targeted? Review physical profile Power is the essential ingredient Once assaulted - marked Victims may repeat violence and produce violence upon the community

Perpetrator Profile Motivated by power and control Barter system Non homosexual and dominant Gang-affiliated Violent history Large physical stature Recidivist Manipulative

Potential Victims Should be Aware of: Review the list of actions potential victims should be aware

Continuum of Behaviors Sexual assault Exploitative tactics Sexual coercion/emotional blackmail (protective parings) Sexual harassment, pinching, grabbing, groping

Sexual Assault Define sexual assault Define forcible rape

Sexual Assault (cont.) Offenders can become a victim of sexual assault by: –Pressure by one or more offenders –Threats –Physical force –Indebted to the perpetrator

Gang Rape Most brutal act of sexual aggression Demoralizing Causes severe emotional, physical and psychological damage Define –Turned out –Punk –Daddy –Protector

One-on-One Sexual Assault Most common form of rape in prison Victim may choose this behavior as a method of survival

Scenario/Role-Play Classroom Discussion Have class participate as a group.

Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) Define Common characteristics

The AIDS/HIV Factor Common form of sexual gratification for rapists is sodomy In gang rape situations, the potential for more than one party to become infected is much more prevalent

Staff Institutional Culture Farmer vs. Brennan Deliberate indifference

Staff Awareness and Intervention Important ingredient for curtailing sexual assault Staff intervention Treat any observation of sexual activity as potential sexual assault

Activity Essential Elements –Answers are provided in Instructor Note

Health Services Protocol All offenders who claim to be victims of sexual assault will be immediately evaluated, examined, and appropriately referred for required services. Health Services Policy requirements Collection of evidence House Bill 1234, 2001 Offender victim representative Initial Report Protocol Offender Housing/Placement

Evidence Protocol In accordance with Office of Inspector General (OIG) guidelines AD Preservation of physical evidence and crime scene Crime scene shall be secured and remain undisturbed until OIG arrival

Evidence Protocol Guidelines Stabilize situation Written notes Videotape/photograph Identify participants and bystanders Preserve crime scene Immediate securing of evidence Criminal offense –Serious nature –Minor nature

Immediate Intervention Techniques Protect the offender Evidence handling and crime scene protection Good documentation Notify a supervisor Universal precautions

Scenario/Role-Play Have class participate as a group.

Witnessing the Attack Avoid physical intervention… be safe Issue a verbal command to stop If verbal commands are unsuccessful, request additional staff and utilize chemical agents Remain calm Do not ridicule

Safe Prisons Plan In some situations, measures must be taken to achieve a greater degree of protection for certain offenders who are at an increased risk of sexual assault by others.

How to Create Safer and More Secure Environment Verbal interventions Changes in housing assignments, work assignments, or work-shift hours Placement of aggressive/assaulting offenders in administrative segregation or changing custody due to major disciplinary cases Transfer to another unit/facility Assignment to safekeeping status

Institutional Culture Staff culture Offender culture Popular (public) culture Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

Conclusion Protect the alleged victim! Protect the crime scene! Immediately contact your supervisor! Documentation of the incident must be clear, concise, and accurate!

Summary Questions?