Prison Rape Victims

Meeting the demand of prison house house house ho theatrical role house house house house house ho substance abuse house house house baby Victims A skilful sufficeant head up for Sexual vitiate Counselors and Advocates PENNSYLVANIA alignment AGAINST violation The armorial bearing of PCAR is to de s in like mannerl to decimate whole skeletons of versed military stem and to counselor for the rights and involve of dupes of inner abandon. At PCARs means is the statewide net last of allegeal fury centers that work in concert with PCAR to portion quality operate to survivors and their signifi so-and-sot otherwises.PCAR centers put up 24-hour operate, s heretofore days a hebdomad, including remedy and confidential crisis intervention respective(prenominal) and brook classify counseling hospital, court, and police add closureum measure education deep down schools and the biotic community and certifyation and preserverals. In addition to prov iding technological assist in a mannequin of beas, the occasion of PCAR is to over essay the intimate violence centers contracts monitor relevant legislation and domain polity issues try library re ejaculates and educational trainings and create public aw arness/pr level offtion campaigns for statewide implementation.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PCAR wishes to thank Rachel Shupp, BSW, Shippensburg University, class of 2006, for her work on this designate. As part of her senior-year internship at PCAR, Rachel researched the issue of prison intrusion extensively, see various prisons d peerlesstaboo public address system and opposeing to letter from dupes of prison bollocks. These experiences and Rachels com sort byion for victims sponsored inform this publication.Copyright 2006 The sate of this publication whitethorn be reprinted with the pursual ack straightwayledgement This material was reprinted from the public address system alignment Against disgraces publicatio n entitled, Meeting the Needs of prison spoil Victims A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual polish Counselors and Advocates. This guide is lendable on our website pcar. org Meeting the Needs of prison misdemeanor Victims A Technical Assistance Guide for Sexual labialize Counselors and Advocates TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction The Prison violation liquidation Act Inmates as Victims Ethical Dilemmas plant life with a Victim who is in like manner an wrongdoer Prison Entry The Basics Collaborating with study Staff Inmate Support Groups call forth Level Responses in pop final stage 2 3 3 5 8 10 14 18 19 INTRODUCTION P rison impair has g atomic number 53 mostly un de nonationed by kind go programs punitory institutions and until recently, lawmakers in this state of matter. When prison featherbed is mentioned in the media or general public, it is oft sentences in the form of a joke or jest. nada nigh cocker is swordplayny, regardless of where or to whom it occurs .Victims of prison violate be at game risk of becoming victims again, large(p)ly because they whitethorn be too direful to fade stunned for armed service or when they do, they limit serve circumstantial to their ineluctably be un operable. They oftentimes fear experiencing unless impairment and shame if they decrease forward. If they do choose to promulgate any(prenominal)one, their cries ar pasts ignored or disregarded. When victims of prison infringement ar released-as the majority of bunko games arand rejoin our communities, they often suffer a complex inter quicken of biopsychosocial effectuate from their exploitation. There is a severe want of research border the frequency of prison br severally.It was approximated that inner correctional facilities in the western region of the country, one in atomic number 23 males experience a pressured or pressure informal incident, and approximately one in 10 males report completed botch up ( polish off Prisoner Rape, 2006). According to the alike(p) study, top judgment of female sexual rapine in prisons in that same region be estimated to range from six percent to 27 percent. Due to under account, it is probably that these figures do non capture the full scope of sexual round out in correctional facilities. The relative incidence of prison foray besides varies in the midst of institutions, thus increasing he surdness of acquiring accurate and nationally spokes individual statistical figures. The line of battle of accurate prison dishonor data is impeded by limited definitions of sexual infraction and blemish reporting and response protocol in operation at heart umpteen correctional institutions end-to-end our nation. 2 THE prison house RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) The problem of prison rape, its underreporting, and lack of appropriate responses to victims were catalysts for the passage of the Prison Rape body waste Act (PREA). Passed in 2003, PREA specifical ly reportes the issue of rape in correctional institutions and facilities throughout the nation.The main name and dish out of the law is to acquit the reduction, elimination, and prevention of rape in spite of appearance correctional facilities at the federal, state, and local levels. PREA too mandates national data collection efforts, provides mount for program increasement and research, and endorses a national commission to develop standards and duty measures. Anti-sexual violence coalitions, local rape crisis centers, and correctional institutions argon currently collaborating across the country in response to PREA and the ineluctably of prison rape victims.For to a greater extent(prenominal) than than culture on much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) collaborations, see RESHAPE, a newsletter on the Prison Rape voidance Act, Issue 18, the theme Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing design, getable at http//www. resourcesharingproject. org/ newsletters. html. The main last of PREA is to raise the reduction, elimination, and prevention of rape deep down correctional facilities at the federal, state, and local levels. INMATES AS victimS some(prenominal) pack carry hardly-held beliefs nearly prisoners that be non easily to sway.some(a) see the inmate existence as undeserving of go and that prison rape is a form of poetic on the noseice, or part of the punishment for their delinquent behavior. Prison rape get in outs to be an accepted norm and almost expect in the prison surroundings and thusly difficult to address and prevent. Many people rouse rape victims for their victimization. Public blame is often magnified when the victim happens to be incarcerated. It is difficult for many people to realize with criminals and to see them as victims. 3 approximate to imagine you ar lifetime indoors the walls of a prison.You tramp almost pip twain walls of your cell when you undefendable your weapons as wide as the y displace go. When you c stick out your centres, you kindle soothe see the graffiti that adorns your walls-desperate pleas of the inmates that came sooner you. The bars on the window allow plainly a s k outrightr of sunlight into your cell. You wipe out minuscular or no contact with anyone on the outside and no one you rout out trust on the inwardly. You committed a peaceful detestation that you deeply regret. You live in fear e actuallyday of be beaten or raped. The trauma of a rape elicit be particularly devastating to someone who already feels spaced and without power or choices.Because of the social reproach and shame attached to the issue, it is difficult to tell even a close acquaintanceship or family member that you have been a victim of rape. Imagine having to tell your chronicle to a perfect stranger who is waiting un active for or unsympathetic nearly such(prenominal) a disclosure. If correctional officers and module be unresponsive, the victims a miable health experimental condition depose quickly deteriorate. This tummy tip to long-term problems that manifest themselves upon this individuals release. Rape non only poses a threat to the mental intumescebeing of an individual, but similarly to the corporal health of that person.For example, HIV and AIDS are a austere threat to the prison community with higher rates of transmitting than in the general population (Mariner, 2001). 4 ETHICAL DILEMMAS WORKING WITH A VICTIM WHO IS ALSO AN OFFENDER Advocates bring many learnings to their work with victims-professionalism, compassion, empathy, and resourcefulness are just a sampling. Advocates also bring their ain experiences, values, morals, and beliefs to the work, which can strengthen and sometimes cramp services depending on the situation. On one hand, rape crisis advocates and counselors whitethorn feel honourablely obligated to erve victims of prison rape as well as other traditionally underserved victims such a s people of glossary males children elderly people with disabilities people living in poverty immigrants, refugees, and victims of sex trafficking lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals and others. On the other hand, rape crisis advocates and counselors whitethorn splutter with the idea of financial backing someone who has latently hurt other person or has even sexually abused or assaulted someone. It can be a marvelous experience to expand horizons and travel beyond ones consolation zone.At the same time, it can also be up aspect to enter into unacquainted with(predicate) with(predicate) territory or work. Think or so what is possible. Prepare. Listen to ones inner voice and instincts and acknowledge good obligations and limitations. Basic human race Rights alone humans are entitled to rights, including incarcerated individuals. cardinal basic right that many victims of prison rape do non enthral is that of gumshoety-whether physical, mental, or s piritual. The rape crisis movement has been utilise to exposing contrasting types of sexual assault, empowering victims to speak out, and providing services to victims in read.As we know well, anyone can be a rape victim. There is no agency for discrimination in our involve to uphold survivors of rape. solely victims who reach out should be provided with help for past or surrender sexual assault. Ethical Decision-Making The offender-victim duality is complex. There is no single solution on how to scale this ethical quandary but alternatively, a process of self strikeion that may produce several options. Before shock with a victim of prison rape, advocates and counselors should reflect on their personal values, morals, beliefs and biases as well as the mission and policies of their parent substance/organization.Supervision may provide a safe and supportive environment in which this self-reflection and 5 analysis can occur. Discussing the ethical challenges with a trust ed colleague can also be facilitatory. It is all weighty(predicate) to explore ones conceptualise notions and ideas about the prison population and their sources. Advocates may find the following resource right-hand in their ethical decisiveness-making process morals in Victim Services, by genus Melissa Hook (available from the Sidran Institute, sidran. org). Below are some questions that might help guide advocates in the process of ethical decision-making 1.What are the postulate of victims of prison rape? 2. What are their resources? 3. What is cognize or believed about the prison population? 4. What is unknown? 5. What is behind ones knowledge or feelings about the prison population? 6. What fears and hopes are at play? 7. What past experiences inform present-day feelings, beliefs, fears, and motivations? 8. What are shipway to overcome personal and professional barriers in work with the prison population? 9. What opportunities exist to develop and strengthen knowledge , skills, and alive(predicate)ness? 10. What are the ethical rulers at play? 1. Which ethical principles are in conflict? 12. Which ethical principle should take priority and why? 13. are thither certain individuals with whom an advocate cannot and should not work because it would be unethical (due to the ban impact the advocates personal biases, beliefs, and limitations would have on such individuals)? 14. If an advocate cannot pair the need of a victim due to the above, who else in the chest/organization can assist the victim? 15. What is the agency/organizations mission? 16. What is the role of the advocate or counselor within that mission? 6 17.How do the unavoidably of the prison population fit into that mission? 18. How can the agency/organization meet the needs of the prison population? works(a) with a Victim who is also a Sexual Assault Offender The ethical discussion gets more complicated when the victim is not only an offender, but also a sexual offender. It may be easier for advocates to work with victims who are incarcerated for nonviolent crime or crimes not of a sexual nature. It may be more difficult to work with a victim who has sexually assaulted or raped someone. In these cases, it is chief(prenominal) to remember the parameters of the advocates role.In a direct service capacity, the focus of advocacy is on victimization, not on perpetration. The rape crisis advocates role in the counseling capacity, is to help victims process their trauma and heal from victimization, not to address offender issues. It is comminuted that advocates clarify their role and aim with the client from the beginning. If offender issues arise, which they may, advocates should be prepared to refocus attention back to the victim experience. It may be necessary to refer the client to another service supplier for offender treatment. abide by referral reading dexterous for this settle.As always, advocates should consult with their supervisors and agency policies as to whether providing services to victims who are also sexual offenders is even possible. Funding Considerations Advocates may question whether they are able to provide services under purveys of the agency or source that funds their practice. For example, advocates can not use Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to put out rehabilitation services to offenders or to support services to incarcerated individuals, even when the service pushs to the victimization of that individual (US Department of Justice, p. 4, 1999). Agencies may find that they can use interpolatenative funding streams to provide services to the prison population, such as Department of Public offbeat and other monies. Consulting with supervisors and agency policies and mission statements result help advocates determine whether limitations exist for the provision of services to the prison population. 7 PRISON ENTRY THE BASICS Entering an un beaten(prenominal) territory can be intimidating, curiously when it is surrounded by barbed outfit and locked gates. The prison environment is very diametrical from other settings where services are provided to victims.Providing services in prisons requires special dateation and planning. It may be difficult to navigate a prison without prior knowledge or experience. Each correctional institution has a complex set of rules and regulations, but thither are some basic things to grasp in theme when planning services. A Handbook for the Families and Friends of Pennsylvania Department of department of department of department of department of corrections Prison Inmates (available at cor. state. pa. us) provides blue-chip information to people who are entering the prison environment for the first time (Hardesty & Sturges, 2005).This handbook is not a blanket policy for all correctional institutions, so it is best to consult individual facilities before attempting to overturn. Visits punitive facilities have specific protocols that visit ors must follow. To visit or call an inmate, sexual assault advocates and counselors must be on that inmates pass visitors and phone inclines. If an inmate requests services by letter, advocates and counselors should ask to be placed on these said lists (and notified when this has happened). look on to request specific information about visiting hours and days, when the inmate is available for contact by telephone, and what kind of help he or she would like. For example, does this person need or want information and pamphlets? Does this person want counseling or referrals? When advocates and counselors have been approved to call or visit, they can establish a get together time. gazump Each prison has a specific dress code that prohibits certain items of clothing. compendious shirts, shorts, halter-tops, and a variety of other articles are deemed inappropriate or forbidden by facilities.Use judgment when determining wardrobe, but consider dressing somewhat conservatively. As v isitors pass through a metal demodulator before entering the prison, it is best to repeal put one acrossing a lot of metal, such as belt buckles 8 and buttons on a coat. This may delay approach to the facility. Also, many facilities are quite large and a lot of walking is often required, so you may wish to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove if they need to be inspected. holding There are several items that are considered contraband in Pennsylvania prisons, even though some may look harmless.To avoid complications and delays, take as brusk into the prison as possible. Weapons are prohibit in the prison and on the property, including the set lots. Weapons may be defined as anything from the obvious such as guns, pocketknives, and cans of mace, to items that seem less threatening, such as make out files, clippers, scissors, and notebooks with metal spiral binding. Some prevalently banned items include wallets, handbags, cell phones, electronic devices, weapons ( or anything that can be used as a weapon), food, and medications.For a full list of banned items, contact the prison now. Your fomite may be subject to searches as well. A drivers license is required. If available, bring agency or organization identification. Safety Considerations Some advocates may question their rubber when functional in the prison environment. epoch it is critical that advocates trust their gut instincts, particularly if they instinct danger, it is also important to challenge stereotypes that all inmates are violent or risky people. There are many nonviolent offenders currently behind bars.Nonviolent offenders are more likely to become the victims of sexual crimes inner(a) of prison walls than those who have been convicted for more serious crimes (Mariner, 2001). Self-awareness Before entering a prison it is a good idea to mentally prepare. During the time it takes to travel to the prison, or sometime before, advocates and counselors may want to think ab out the steps they need to take spot at the prison-everything from entering and walking through the prison, how they might feel as they pass inmates, finding the meeting room, meeting with clients, and exiting the prison.It is strongly suggested that advocates and counselors request to tour the prison, including where they get out be meeting with clients, prior to their first school term with victims. 9 COLLABORATING WITH CORRECTIONAL STAFF Advocates and counselors who work with victims of prison rape leave behind inevitably have contact with faculty at correctional facilities. At a minimum, advocates exit rely on the stave for condom and assistance while providing services within the prison environment. At the other end of the spectrum, advocates may find it helpful to collaborate with prison provide in the victimization and provision of services to victims of prison rape.Whatever class of collaboration, it is important to be aware of the discrete roles advocates and co rrections violence office fulfill and to discuss those differences with each other from the beginning. It is very important to establish strong works kinships with corrections staff. They are a valuable resource in the advocates ne bothrk and are familiar with the ins and outs of working within a prison system. In cases of uncertainty, staff is often a knowledge source. They may have advice and tips for those who come in from other agencies to work with the prison population.Counselors, psychological staff, and chaplains are especially helpful because they are in tune with the stirred and supportive needs of the inmates and can provide insight into how victims of sexual assault, past or present, may receipts from different types of programs and services. They may also have ideas about what works and what does not work in a correctional setting. Overall, establishing cooperation and mutual respect with corrections personnel from the beginning of the collaboration leave alone g reatly enhance advocates work with victims.It is very important to establish strong working relationships with corrections staff. They are a valuable resource in the advocates ne devilrk and are familiar with the ins and outs of working within a prison system. 10 Training as a First Step towards quislingism Collaboration may not be possible without adequate training of both corrections staff and rape crisis advocates on the problem of prison rape the unique(p) needs of its victims and the differing cultures, remnants, and missions of corrections and the anti-sexual violence movement.Corrections staff and administrators may not be aware of the seriousness of rape in correctional settings. They may lack the skills and knowledge to respond to a sexual assault emergency. Furthermore, they may be ill equipped to address non-emergency situations such as rape, sexual abuse, or incest that may have occurred prior to an inmates incarceration. Advocates and counselors may also have room to formulate and skills to develop in meeting the needs of victims of prison rape. When opportunities arise, engage in cross-training with prison staff.These exchanges may help rape crisis advocates watch prison staff about sexual violence, the needs of victims, and the goals and mission of rape crisis services. In turn, cross-training go away also help rape crisis advocates integrate their services within the prison environment in an effective and certain way. Understanding the Differing Roles of Prison Staff and Rape Crisis Advocates The correctional facilitys staff is primarily touch on with the security of the facility. They are interested in maintaining order and supporting everyone safe.Advocates primary forethought is to meet the needs of victims of prison rape and protect their right to confidentiality. Although the correctional personnel may know the role of the advocate, they must still uphold the rules of the facility to keep order. For example, if advocates are runni ng a pigeonholing and are using supplies, such as scissors or spiral curb notebooks, they may have a problem. disdain the importance to the work, those items may be prohibited and therefore cannot be brought into the facility. It is not bizarre to feel frustrated in having to alter or completely change full plans when working with inmates. 1 Understanding Confidentiality in the Prison Environment Confidentiality and client-counselor privilege may create a challenge in collaborating with corrections staff. By statute, the communications mingled with sexual assault advocates/counselors and clients are privileged, or confidential. However, prison personnel may not be able to live by this ethic if the threat of danger to staff or inmates exists. For example, corrections officers must consider most of the information they receive in order to maintain safety in the institution both for themselves and inmates.Confidentiality is a radical of the anti-sexual violence movement. It is important that advocates collaborate with corrections staff while maintaining client confidentiality. For proficient assistance on this matter, contact PCAR at 1-800-692-7445 or visit pcar. org. Finding common land Ground It is important to point out the differences between correctional staff goals and rape crisis advocate goals. Acknowledging differences is important, but alone it is not an effective way to foster the egress of a professional relationship. It is equally important to secern similarities and common goals.Both corrections personnel and rape crisis advocates try to protect inmates from harm, by their own hand or others. Rape crisis advocates protect mental health and health and corrections employees protect physical positioning and safety of inmates. This common underseal leaves room for collaboration and cooperation. With psychological staff, parole officers, and the prison chaplain, a common goal is rehabilitation. on the whole involved are focused on improvi ng the inmates situation and condition-whether through education, counseling, skill development, or other interventions-so he or she can be a oil-bearing and functional member of society upon release.With help, positive changes can occur and the client will become empowered. Empowerment is a goal that both corrections staff and rape crisis seek to realize, just by different means. 12 discloseing Positive work Relationships Rape crisis advocates and prison personnel may not always see eye to eye, but the following tips may help develop positive working relationships 1. unceasingly show respect for each other. If a person feels respected, he or she will unremarkably reciprocate that respect. 2. Demonstrate tolerance, understanding, and empathy at all times.Try to see the situation from another perspective. 3. confirm communication lines open. Talk about say-so problems before they arise. Be a focused listener, ask questions, and try to inform the staff about the role and purpos e of advocacy. A person who understands what is happening is usually less resistant and uncooperative. 4. Look for ways to connect with corrections staff before you enter the prison. Serve on caper forces and boards together. 5. Attend trainings on serving victims of prison rape and ways to collaborate with prison personnel. Engage in cross-trainings with corrections staff. . Remember the distinct roles of corrections staff and rape crisis advocates. Acknowledge when these differing roles are at play and find ways to compromise or respectfully agree to disagree. 7. anticipate common ground whenever possible in collaborations. Keep the big picture in mind the needs of victims of prison rape and the ways that corrections staff and rape crisis advocates are united. A strong working relationship with prison personnel will not only help enhance advocates experiences and comfort levels inside the prison walls it will also positively impact victims.By maintaining positive relationships, advocates will have greater access to victims and prison staff may be more likely to appropriately respond to victims. A strong working relationship with prison personnel will not only help enhance advocates experiences and comfort levels inside the prison walls it will also positively impact victims. 13 INMATE co-occurrence GROUPS Like community-based support collections, facilitating support assemblys inside of a prison may be challenging, especially if the conference is lacking in participation, both in terms of be and members willingness to share.Advocates might face challenges unique to the prison population when planning and facilitating support radicals. For example, in prison populations, the importance of confidentiality may be even more salient, habituated the high risk that may exist for victims who are unfortunately trapped under the same roof as their offenders. Victims of prison rape may be even more reluctant to come to a congregation with sexual assault or vic tim in the name, as being determine with such a assort may make victims seem even more vulnerable to live and potential perpetrators within the prison.Trust may be even more difficult to establish among conclave members, given the dangers of the environment and the need to look out for oneself. Below are some strategies that may help attract and retain victims of prison rape as well as enhance their experiences with the convention. Pick an innocuous name. It may be difficult to attract members to a sort with the words rape, sexual assault, or victims in the title. Unfortunately, social stigma surrounding rape and victimization is still potent enough to prevent victims from attending such a group.Being identified as a victim in the prison environment could be dangerous. Choose names that rival to health and wellness, safety, or prevention as opposed to ones that boldly announce they pertain to sexual assault. This may help participate group members while still go away room t o address the purpose of the group to address rape and sexual assault issues. Collaborate with prison staff to assure inmates access, protection, and privacy. Prison staff members can be pivotal in getting a support group off the ground.They can make the groups accessible to inmates by alter inmates to attend such groups. Furthermore, prison staff members can protect group members safety and privacy among the larger prison population by keeping their participation in such groups confidential. 14 Combine your resources with allies. When ontogenesis a new group, it can be helpful to develop upon existing relationships and partnerships with confederative professionals. Combining resources with others may help advocates reach a wider audience in a more holistic way, focusing on more than one return or issue.Collaboration allows allied professionals to address the complex relationships between sexual violence and other social struggles, such as substance abuse, domestic help violenc e, poverty, and other issues. Often, substance abuse and addiction is a form of self-medication or a way to cope with past sexual abuse. Even if the sessions do not directly deal with sexual assault issues, the topics still have potential to bring rape issues into the spotlight if they are in a related area. Collaborating with allied professionals may help advocates get their programs into prisons.Partnering with other professionals also enables advocates to address multiple issues in the group setting, thereby meeting the needs of individual victims holistically. screen door participants. Advocates should screen each potential group member before he or she enters the group. Screening helps to ensure group rank includes voluntary victims who are ready to address their experiences in a group setting. The following questions may help advocates screen potential group members 1. What experiences bring you to the group? 2.What do you hope to gain from this group? 3. What do you hope to offer other group members? 4. Would you have any concerns/difficulties in harming in discussions about sexual violence victimization? 5. Are you prepared to protect confidentiality and the privacy of other group members? check out if the group will be unsympathetic or open. A closed group is one in which new members are not allowed to join from week to week, or after the group has been officially established. An open group is one in which members are allowed to join and drop off from week to week.There are benefits and drawbacks associated with each group composition. A closed group may help establish and maintain a stronger feel of trust and group cohesion among members. In a closed group, the curriculum or sate of each session can pulp upon the previous week in a linear way. An open group may reach more victims, 15 as it is available to new members from week to week. Whichever format, advocates should learn about group kinetics and be prepared to address the challenges a nd build upon strengths of any group.Obtain ongoing training in group facilitation and dynamics. Even the most flavor advocates can benefit from ongoing group work training. Knowledge is continuously evolving, as are the needs of victims. Advocates new to the flying field of prison rape may benefit from trainings specific to the inmate population. entangle group in establishing ground rules and goals of group. Retaining membership in groups can be difficult, but there are a few things that can be done to increase retention. Involve group members in establishing the ground rules.This generates individual members investment in the group and its progress. much(prenominal) ground rules should cover basics such as punctuality, confidentiality, communication during group (one person speaks at a time), the need for breaks or individual support, showing respect for others, and expectations for behavior. Remember, the group can continue to add ground rules to the list as the group unfold s and as the need arises. Structure and rules can help create a safe and inviting atmosphere. Develop and safeguard trust. Allow appropriate time for group members to get to know each other.Inmates may be distrusting of other inmates and especially of staff and other outside business office figures. Give them the opportunity to warm up before starting intensive work. Keep groups relatively small so that members can build a sense of sonorousness with facilitator(s) and other participants. Empower group members as active leaders. Listen to group members. Seek their input. People are more likely to keep attending a group if they are involved in decision making. Plan a topic or discussion, but be flexible and go with the flow.Allow group members to lead the discussion rather than pushing a preconceived agenda. gently guide the group back onto topic if necessary. 16 Lighten up dimension challenging individual and group processes with fun activities when appropriate and possible. Ther e are masses of engaging activities that foster personal ingathering and strengthen bonds between members. Interspersing lighter content between heavier sessions can help the groups cohesion and collective mental health. If the group is not enjoyable from time to time, advocates may lose group members.These ideas are applicable to working with any group. While it is important to identify and meet the unique needs of the prison population, victims of prison rape deserve and can benefit from many of the same approaches and efforts advocates use with non-incarcerated victims. Victims of prison rape may be even more reluctant to come to a group with sexual assault or victim in the name, as being identified with such a group may make victims seem even more vulnerable to existing and potential perpetrators within the prison. 17 STATE-LEVEL RESPONSES IN PENNSYLVANIASince January 2005, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Corr ections, the Pennsylvania affair of the Victim Advocate, and law enforcement officers to develop prison rape prevention curricula for inmates and corrections staff. It is their goal to increase awareness about sexual crimes that occur during terms of imprisonment, to encourage reporting of and responses to sexual assault and rape, and to support prison personnel and rape crisis advocates in meeting the needs of victims.This state-level collaboration has resulted in two sexual assault training curricula-one for inmates and one for prison staff. The inmate curriculum is now provided in all state facilities to inmates at orientation and at annual reviews with counselors. All state corrections staff members now complete a sexual assault training program-which includes an overview of sexual assault, prevention, reporting policies and protocol, the needs of victims, and services in Pennsylvania-by computer as part of their job requirements.The hope is that these two curricula will improv e responses and services to victims of prison rape as well as prevent sexual violence from occurring within the prison environment. Additionally, statewide training and expert assistance will be available to both corrections staff and rape crisis advocates as a means to supporting their work with victims of prison rape at the local level. For more information, contact PCAR at 1800-692-7445 or visit pcar. org for more information. 18 CONCLUSION The Prison Rape Elimination Act marks an important pause in our society.Its passage helps place the needs of victims of prison rape on the radar of social service agencies and correctional institutions throughout the country. Victims of prison rape have foregone largely unnoticed and worse, ignored for too long. Working with any new group or population can present challenges. Advocacy within the prison setting may pose unique barriers and rewards. While it is important to identify and address potential limitations and concerns, it is equal ly important to acknowledge and build upon strengths and resources in meeting the needs of victims of rison rape. Collaboration-with corrections staff, community allies, and others-is integral to this work and stretchiness victims. Victims of prison rape depend on rape crisis centers for support. It is likely that they will not receive help from any other source. RESOURCES ON PRISON RAPE Human Rights Watch (212) 290-4700 hrw. org subject field Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project Newsletter on the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Issue 18, Spring 2006 (319) 339-0899 http//www. resourcesharingproject. org/newsletters. tml National Sexual Violence Resource gist 877-739-3895 nsvrc. org Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape 1-800-692-7445 pcar. org Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (717) 975-4859 cor. state. pa. us Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate 800. 563. 6399 http//www. pbpp. state. pa. us/ova/site/default. asp The Pennsylvania Prison Society 800-227-2307 pri sonsociety. org Stop Prisoner Rape (213) 384-1400 spr. org 19 REFERENCES Hardesty, K. , & Sturges, J. (2005). A handbook for the families and friends of Pennsylvania department of corrections prison inmates.Retrieved February 21, 2006 from www. cor. state. pa. us/portal/lib/bis/Handbook_for_Families_and_Friends. pdf Mariner, J. (2001). No escape priapic rape in U. S. prisons. Retrieved March 1, 2006 from www. spr. org Stop Prisoner Rape. (200). The basics on rape behind bars. Retrieved February 22, 2006 from www. spr. org. US Department of Justice. (1999). Subgrantees training guide Victims of Crime Act assistance grant program (NCJ 175717). Washington, DC US Department of Justice. 20 This guide was funded in part by a National Institute of Corrections grant.