FRANKFORT, Ky. (March. 26, 2021) – Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW) in Pewee Valley passed its recent Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audit. Signed into law Sept. 4, 2003, PREA is intended to address the detection, prevention, reduction, and prosecution of sexual harassment and abuse in correctional facilities in the country.
“KCIW continues an established history of professionally meeting national PREA standards, and places a daily, continuous and ongoing priority upon offender safety. I am proud of KCIW for its accomplishment,” said Deputy Commissioner Randy White.
The audit was conducted by Sharon Shaver, a PREA auditor employed by the American Correctional Association in Georgia. The audit included a tour, interviews, and documentation review.
“Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women staff are professionals who take pride in keeping inmates and staff safe as they uphold the mission of the Kentucky Department of Corrections,” said Shaver.
Assistant Director/Agency PREA Coordinator Shannon Butrum emphasized that PREA compliance is an ongoing process and requires diligence to maintain. “Maintaining and exceeding compliance with PREA standards requires a constant effort on behalf of everyone at the facility and to do so throughout the operational challenges of the current pandemic is a true testament that they are a facility dedicated to the safety of their inmate population,” Butrum said. “I am very proud of the staff at KCIW.”
“With the completion of this audit, I could not be more proud of the staff at KCIW for exceeding the standards set before them,” said Warden Vanessa Kennedy. “The commitment and dedication shown by individuals during these unique times demonstrate the true professionalism of those working for the department.”
PREA audits consist of 45 national standards that ensure compliance with all facets of this federal legislation. The last PREA audit conducted at KCIW was in 2017, which also resulted in a passing score.