Conn. lawmakers mull bill on reducing prison rape

The measure would require state prison officials to implement measures including a zero-tolerance policy against sexual assaults among other measures

April 03, 2011 05:02 AM

HARTFORD, Conn. — State lawmakers are seeking public comment on a bill aimed at reducing sexual assault in Connecticut’s prisons.

The legislature’s Judiciary Committee has scheduled the public hearing Monday on a proposal calling for the state to adopt the recommendations of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission.

The measure would require state prison officials to implement measures including a zero-tolerance policy against sexual assaults, protection of inmates vulnerable to potential sexual assaults and protocols for investigating sexual abuse.

The Justice Department reported last August that 4.4 percent of inmates in prison and 3.1 percent of inmates in jail reported being victimized sexually by another inmate or staff member in 2008 and 2009.