The Power of Perception: Female Inmate Views on PREA Implementation

<i>The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA, 2003) mandates zero-tolerance for sexual assault in prisons. Despite the increase </i><i>in female inmates, the criminal justice system policies remain male-focused. </i><i> This study, stemming from a settlement agreement between the US Department of Justice and a state Department of Corrections, explores female inmates’ perceptions of PREA through three constructs: impressions of (a) PREA, (b) sexual safety, and (c) system efficacy/change. Conducted via Zoom, 44 confidential interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method.  Findings show most participants indicated PREA is weaponized for retaliation. Future research should examine improvements in response to inmate feedback.</i>