Zero Tolerance Policy

The Western Virginia Regional Jail fully supports the guidelines set forth in this law and has Zero-Tolerance for any and all incidents of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003.

In order to promote a safe and humane setting for the confinement of pre-trial detainees as well as convicted offenders, the Western Virginia Regional Jail maintains a “zero tolerance policy” regarding the sexual abuse of inmates, staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct, and inmate-on-inmate sexual misconduct. The WVRJ maintains a program of prevention, detection, response, investigation and tracking. Sexual assault among inmates and staff sexual misconduct towards inmates is strictly prohibited and subject to administrative and criminal disciplinary sanctions. All allegations, regardless of source will be investigated. Staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct will be governed by the Code of Virginia §18.2-64.2, which includes contract and volunteer personnel. The appropriate sections of the Code of Virginia will govern inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse based upon the advice of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the investigating police authority.

Sexual misconduct is illegal and will not be tolerated in any manner at the Western Virginia Regional Jail. Sexual misconduct includes: inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse, assault, or consensual sexual activity, and staff-on-inmate sexual abuse, assault or consensual sexual activity. Sexual misconduct also includes any solicitation of sexual activity. All allegations are fully investigated and substantiated incidents are reported to the local police for further investigation and referral for prosecution if warranted.

Sexual abuse can be reported to any staff member at any time, either verbally or in writing. The staff will take actions to protect inmates from the assailant and refer them to medical for further treatment and counseling.