The project aims to provide targeted mental health treatments and workshops for both inmates and staff, with the goal of fostering awareness, prevention, and recovery from sexual abuse and trauma

This $114,414 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.738 - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program) aims to provide targeted mental health treatments and workshops for both inmates and staff at correctional facilities in Puerto Rico. The goal is to foster awareness, prevention, and recovery from sexual abuse and trauma, which has significant implications for the overall safety and rehabilitation environment within these facilities. The project will implement a series of interdisciplinary workshops and therapeutic sessions, addressing the complex psychological and emotional needs of individuals affected by sexual abuse. Evidence-based treatment modalities and trauma-informed care will be utilized to ensure participants receive the support necessary to navigate their experiences and foster resilience. The project manager will oversee PREA implementation, coordinate training programs, monitor compliance, facilitate workshops, manage stakeholder communication, assess program effectiveness, provide support for survivors, and ensure ongoing education for staff and inmates. This initiative seeks to contribute to a culture of respect and safety within the correctional system, aligning with the principles of PREA and aiming to reduce incidents of sexual violence while supporting rehabilitation processes.

The prevalence of sexual violence in prisons has significant implications not only for the victims but also for the overall safety and rehabilitation environment within these facilities. Recognizing this urgent issue, this project will implement a series of interdisciplinary workshops and therapeutic sessions, addressing the complex psychological and emotional needs of individuals affected by sexual abuse. By utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities and trauma-informed care, they will ensure that participants receive the support necessary to navigate their experiences and foster resilience. The proposed workshops will serve multiple purposes: educating attendees about the dynamics of sexual abuse, dispelling myths surrounding victimization, and equipping both staff and inmates with the skills needed to create a safer and more supportive environment. These interactive sessions will encourage open dialogue, enabling participants to share their experiences and learn from one another. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on empowering survivors, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed for recovery and self-advocacy. In collaboration with mental health professionals, social workers, and trained facilitators, our project will tailor its approach to meet the unique needs of the correctional facility's population. Mental health treatments will be designed to address not only the immediate impact of trauma but also the long-term consequences, promoting healing and fostering a sense of community among participants. By prioritizing mental health support and education around sexual violence, our initiative seeks to contribute to a culture of respect and safety within correctional facilities. Furthermore, IT aligns with the principles of prea, aiming to reduce incidents of sexual violence and support rehabilitation processes for those affected. Ultimately, this project aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable change within the correctional system, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of both inmates and staff. Through a commitment to prevention, education, and healing, we aspire to create a more supportive and respectful environment for all individuals within the facility. Lastly the project manager will oversee prea implementation, coordinate training programs, monitor compliance, facilitate workshops, manage stakeholder communication, assess program effectiveness, provide support for survivors, and ensure ongoing education for staff and inmates, to assure compliance with the prea national standards.