STOP Sexual Assault and PREA (Prison, Rape, Elimination, Act) Compliance Program

This contract, titled "STOP Sexual Assault and PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Compliance Program," addresses critical requirements under the 2013 VAWA Reauthorization and the 2003 PREA legislation. It mandates that 20 percent of STOP Grant Program funds allocated to the state of Mississippi be used for programs or projects that impact multiple categories such as victim services, courts, law enforcement, and prosecution, with a focus on addressing various forms of sexual assault including stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and drug- or alcohol-facilitated rape, as well as rape within intimate partner relationships. Concurrently, in compliance with the PREA statute, the Bureau of Justice Assistance's initiative aims to prevent and eliminate prisoner rape across correctional facilities and support community safety upon inmate reentry. This program supports Mississippi's efforts to uphold these mandates by ensuring meaningful use of sexual assault-related funding and full compliance with PREA standards. The solicitation was issued by the Office of Interpersonal Violence under the Mississippi State Law Enforcement Division, with a response deadline of February 2, 2026. The program’s primary goals are to maintain protective measures for inmates against sexual assault within correctional institutions, despite budget constraints, and to reinforce community protection during offenders’ reintegration. Points of contact for the contract include Dr. LaReisha Robinson, VAWA Program Administrator, and Qualandia Hooker, Grant Analyst, both available for inquiries and application support. The solicitation facilitates states’ and local jurisdictions’ adherence to federal requirements through allocated funding, promoting systemic improvements in handling sexual assault cases and prisoner safety.