Using a Peer-Led Trainer Model to Improve the Effectiveness of the Prison Rape Elimination Act

Abstract

Aside from providing education on complex subjects, peer-led trainer models can also improve the effectiveness of policies. Sexual violence remains a problem within corrections, despite passage of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). To acquire insight into ways of improving this policy, focus group data were collected from ( n = 16) male and ( n = 16) female residents of a Southeastern United States prison system who had recently completed a peer-led trainer model on PREA. Thematic analysis of the data revealed how PREA could be improved by training staff to be more knowledgeable of the traumas endured by sexual assault victims, and by guaranteeing the privacy of victims who report their abuse. Policy implications are discussed.