The Hernando County Detention Center has a zero tolerance toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment between inmates and facility staff. The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is a federal law that established standards for prisons and jails to follow in order to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment. The Hernando County Detention Center works towards that goal by maintaining a program of prevention, detection, response, and investigation directed at reducing all opportunities for abuse within the facility. Sexual abuse among inmates and staff, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment towards inmates is strictly prohibited and perpetrators are subject to administrative and criminal disciplinary sanctions.

The Detention Center takes all reports of sexual abuse and harassment seriously and actively investigates all allegations internally for administrative and criminal sanctions. We will investigate all allegations made, whether reported by an inmate, a staff member, or an outside third party. All criminal investigations allow for the preservation and collection of evidence and complete interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and any and all witnesses. The victim will be provided a forensic examination, access to a victim advocate and follow-up counseling, if requested. All substantiated allegations will be submitted to the Hernando County State Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.

The Detention Center provides several avenues for inmates to report abuse or potential victimization. Inmates who are currently, or are in fear of, being sexually harassed, abused, or assaulted are encouraged to talk directly to a staff member. This will allow for the quickest response. Inmates may also complete an electronic request, an inmate grievance form, or use the confidential PREA Hotline.

If you have information regarding abuse or believe that an inmate currently in custody has been subjected to abuse, please contact the PREA Hotline at 844-868-0057. You may also contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830 or contact the PREA Coordinator at 352-797-5886.

The Hernando County Detention Center will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of those parties involved in any incident of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Information will be shared with investigators and other staff members who have a need to know.