Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
The National Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, also known as PREA, is a federal law which was signed into law in 2003. The Act supports the elimination, reduction and prevention of sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape in correctional facilities across the country. This includes all federal, state and county facilities.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office supports and enforces a zero tolerance policy toward any form of sexual abuse or harassment at the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction.
Any reported or detected offenses will be thoroughly investigated. All substantiated cases of sexual assault will be referred to the District Attorney for legal actions.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides the opportunity for third party reporting of incidents or claims. You may report an incident on behalf of an inmate or detainee by notifying a staff member or by calling the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at (413) 774-4014 extension 2110. You may leave a recorded message reporting the incident, leaving your contact information so your report can be followed up on. You or someone else on behalf of an inmate or detainee may also contact the Northwestern District Attorney's Office located at 13 Conway Street in Greenfield, MA 01301.
Ongoing counseling and support can be accessed by calling the New England Learning Center for Women in Transition (Rape Crisis Center) at (413) 772-0806 or the National Rape Crisis Hotline at (800) 656-4673. NELCWIT and the National Rape Crisis Hotline are not for reporting purposes. Information provided to these hotlines may not necessarily in an investigation of allegations.
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