BJA FY 2023 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Reallocation Funds Program

The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (“The Bureau”) is responsible for protecting the rights of inmates and offenders placed under the Bureau’s custody and supervision. This includes providing inmates with a safe environment, free from sexual abuse, sexual battery, and sexual harassment. The Bureau has established a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual battery, and sexual harassment, pursuant to the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003. Zero-tolerance applies not only to incidents between inmates, but also to incidents involving staff members, contractors, and volunteers. The policy also encompasses an inmate, staff, or volunteer’s right to be free from retaliation if they report an incident or participate in an investigation.

Activities will include all staff members, contractors and volunteers receiving training on their duties and responsibilities under PREA and the Bureau’s zero-tolerance policy. All staff members, contractors, and volunteers are informed that they are required by law to report any incident(s) or allegation(s) of sexual abuse, sexual battery, or sexual harassment immediately.

The Bureau of Correction will implement policies, procedures and practices that required by the PREA Standards and strategies to achieve and maintain compliance with PREA Standards.