Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends working in corrections. I’d like to talk about protecting LGBTQ inmates.
LGBTQ inmates are among our highest risk and most vulnerable populations. These inmates are more likely to face sexual harassment and violence from other inmates and sometimes even from correctional staff. This can obviously lead to physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
Protecting these inmates from abuse is not only a matter of basic human decency, it’s also the law.
The Prison Rape Elimination Act, also known as PREA, requires correctional facilities to implement policies and procedures to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and harassment. PREA standards explicitly include protections for LGBTQ inmates.
Your facility probably provides mandated training on PREA. But let’s cover a few practical points.
First, you should have policies and procedures to protect LGBTQ inmates from harm. Effective classification is a great place to start. Do you screen inmates within 72 hours for vulnerability to victimization? A robust classification process helps prevent LGBTQ individuals from being housed in an environment where they’re likely to be assaulted, abused, or harassed.
Second, remember YOU are the first line of defense in preventing abuse of LGBTQ inmates. Pay attention to signs of depression, anxiety, or fear. Do not tolerate verbal harassment or humiliation. Watch for bullying, exclusion, or inmates “controlling” LGBTQ individuals. And of course, properly respond to and document any assault.
Finally, think about the little things you can do to make an LGBTQ inmate’s stay less stressful. Respect inmates’ privacy when you can, especially around showers and toilets, when they’re changing clothes, and while they’re sleeping. Don’t use demeaning or unprofessional terminology. And encourage LGBTQ inmates to take advantage of programs and services your facility offers. Spending time in structured programs can help keep them safe and forge connections important for their mental wellbeing.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
