The Oregon Coalition strongly believes that nobody deserves to be abused, which includes people incarcerated in jails or prisons. Thus, we are committed to working with corrections administrators, law enforcement, advocacy programs and community partners to build and support robust prevention and post-assault response systems to address the significant and unique issues surrounding sexual abuse within the correctional system.
Incarceration in Oregon
There are numerous correctional facilities throughout the state. Jails and pre-trial detention facilities are run by the various county sheriff’s offices, while the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) and Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) operate prisons and other correctional facilities that house adults and youth (respectively) that have been convicted of criminal offenses. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) operates the Federal Correctional Institution, Sheridan, a medium-security federal prison located in Yamilll County.
The map below illustrates the various prisons, jails and other detention facilities operating in Oregon.
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Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Signed into law in 2003, the Prison Rape Elimination Act represents a series of federal mandates intended to address the widespread sexual assault of prisoners. It established a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence within correctional institutions nationwide, clarified various policies and practices, required annual reporting for incidences of sexual assault in prisons, and provided funding for research, training and the dispensation of grants to local and state governments to assist with the implementation of the act.
Resources for advocates and program staff
Hope Behind Bars: An Advocate’s Guide to Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Detention (pdf)
External links
Just Detention International is a health and human rights organization that seeks to end sexual abuse in all forms of detention. JDI works to: hold government officials accountable for prisoner rape; promote public attitudes that value the dignity and safety of inmates; and ensure that survivors of this violence have access to the help they need.
Oregon Department of Corrections – Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Oregon Youth Authority – PREA in the Juvenile Justice System
Prisons and jails