Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

PREA

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003. The law is designed to eliminate and prevent instances of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in state, federal, and county correctional settings, police lockups, private facilities, and residential settings.

Middlesex Sheriff's Office PREA

The Middlesex Sheriff's Office mandates zero tolerance toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. The MSO policy is intended to prevent, detect, and respond to allegations thoroughly and confidentially. The Middlesex Sheriff's Office policy is also intended to protect all incarcerated individuals, employees, and third parties who report sexual abuse or harassment from retaliation by other incarcerated individuals or employees.

PREA Reporting

If you, or someone you know, were the victim of sexual abuse or sexual harassment while in the custody of the Middlesex Sheriff's Office, we urge you to please report the incident by contacting the confidential MSO reporting hotline at 978-932-3100, or you may also report allegations of sexual abuse/ sexual harassment in writing to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Sexual Assault Unit, 151 Warren Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

Ongoing counseling and support may be accessed by calling the Center for Hope and Healing (Rape Crisis Center) in Lowell at 978-452-7721, or the National Rape Crisis Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673). The Center for Hope and Healing and the National Rape Crisis Hotline are not for reporting purposes. The information provided to these hotlines may not necessarily result in an investigation of allegations.