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Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law that prohibits and seeks to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional institutions and community corrections settings. The Department of Corrections (DOC) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for staff and individuals in custody. 

  • The Illinois Department of Corrections has zero tolerance for sexual abuse or sexual harassment of any person or sexual relationships between staff and individuals in custody
  • Individuals in custody who have consensual sexual contact with another offender will be disciplined
  • Individuals in custody who initiate non–consensual sexual contact with another offender will be disciplined and referred to law enforcement
  • Employees, contract staff, and volunteers who engage in sexual contact or sexual misconduct with individuals in custody will be terminated and referred for criminal prosecution when applicable

How to Report Institutional Sexual Abuse and/or Staff Sexual Misconduct

If you have information regarding an individual in custody who has been sexually abused or sexually harassed while under IDOC custody or community supervision, please call: 217-558-4013.

Calls to this number at IDOC Headquarters are recorded. Messages are checked periodically Monday through Friday during business hours by staff of the Investigations Unit.

You do not have to give your name, but it is critical that you provide as many details as possible.

This includes:

  • The name(s) and locations of persons involved;
  • the name(s) or description of any witnesses to the incident;
  • IDOC individual in custody number (if an individual in custody)
  • A brief description of the incident(s)
  • A brief description of where the event(s) occurred;
  • The date(s), time, and place of occurrence(s);
  • Names and contact information of others who might have additional information about the incident;
  • Your contact phone number and address (optional)

IDOC investigates all allegations of individual in custody–on–individual in custody sexual abuse and staff sexual misconduct. Investigations are initiated by the Investigation Unit at IDOC Headquarters. Please understand without detailed information it is difficult to investigate a sexual abuse or sexual harassment situation.

Reporting Information for IDOC Individuals in Custody

Individuals in custody serving their sentence within an IDOC facility are urged to report allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Individuals in custody can report by submitting a request slip, a grievance, telling a trusted staff member, or asking a family member or friend to call the report line.

Illinois Department of Corrections Annual PREA Reports

In accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, the attached data is annual reports of allegations that were received, investigated and processed.

Further Information

If you would like further information or have questions regarding PREA and the Illinois Department of Corrections please write to:

Illinois Department of Corrections
Attention PREA
1301 Concordia Court
P.O. Box 19277
Springfield, IL 62794-9277 ​​