What is the Prison Rape Elimination Act and when was it established?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing and preventing sexual assault within correctional facilities. It was established in 2003 with the primary goal of reducing prison rape in the United States by setting up a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual violence in facilities housing incarcerated individuals.

This act not only brought attention to the issue of sexual violence in prisons but also mandated the collection of data and the creation of standards for the prevention, detection, and response to sexual abuse in correctional settings. It is instrumental in ensuring the safety and dignity of individuals incarcerated in prisons and jails, promoting the idea that reporting and responding to sexual violence is a priority for corrections institutions.

The other years provided as options do not align with the establishment date of PREA, as the act was officially signed into law in 2003.