Unreadable, Unfindable, and Incomplete
Evaluating PREA Information in State Correctional Handbooks
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13102476 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jessie L Krienert (0000-0001-8521-4013, Illinois State University, corresponding author), Jeffrey A Walsh (0000-0003-1241-5468, Illinois State University), Christl A Donnelly (0000-0002-0195-2463, Illinois State University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-13 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-06 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Corrections (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2377-4657 • E-ISSN: 2377-4665 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/23774657.2025.2542954 |
| OpenAlex | W4413035438 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 18 |
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted in 2003 to prevent sexual abuse in correctional settings through a zero-tolerance framework. While all states formally acknowledge PREA, the accessibility, clarity, and completeness of the information provided to incarcerated individuals remain uncertain. This mixed-methods study evaluates PREA-related content in 62 state correctional handbooks from 49 states, assessing three core dimensions: readability, findability, and substantive content. Grounded in compliance theory and institutional betrayal, the analysis focuses on how correctional institutions communicate PREA protections, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures. Results reveal that most PREA content exceeds the literacy levels of the intended audience, is inconsistently organized, and frequently omits critical guidance. Reporting mechanisms often prioritize staff-based disclosure, lack procedural transparency, and emphasize the danger of false reporting over survivor support. The findings suggest a pattern of symbolic compliance, where handbooks reflect the appearance of adherence without providing meaningful access to protections. Recommendations are offered for creating more accessible, consistent, and legally meaningful PREA messaging that better aligns with the needs and literacy levels of incarcerated populations
Algorithm · State (computer science · Computer Science · Legal Education and Practice Innovations · Library Science and Information Systems · Medicine
Working Law
A new readability yardstick.
Institutional betrayal.
Evaluating the Implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (Prea)
An Assessment of the Knowledge, Support, and Behavior Surrounding the Implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act
Reading Behind Bars
Readability of online Covid-19 health information
Sex-Based Harassment and Symbolic Compliance
Sex logics
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |