Bill Overview
Title: Sexual Abuse Services in Detention Act
Description: This bill authorizes grants and establishes a national resource center to support the provision of emotional support services for incarcerated individuals who have experienced sexual abuse.
Sponsors: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: People Incarcerated Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse
Estimated Size: 100000
- The global prison population is estimated to be over 11 million people as of recent counts.
- The rates of sexual abuse in detention vary greatly but are recognized as a significant concern in many countries' prison systems.
- Under the assumption that these services are needed and available to individuals across all these systems, the target population includes prisoners globally who might have experienced sexual abuse.
Reasoning
- Given the policy focus on providing emotional support services to those incarcerated individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, a portion of the population in US detention facilities could be significantly impacted.
- The estimation of 100,000 potentially affected individuals (5% of the 2 million incarcerated individuals in the US) suggests that a substantial minority of this group might change in their self-reported wellbeing when services are provided.
- The budget limits imply that not all affected individuals can be served fully; prioritization or selection of recipients based on certain criteria (e.g., severity of abuse, mental health status) might be necessary.
- By simulating a diverse range of interviews, we account for variance in responses based on individual characteristics, the capacity of services provided, and baseline wellbeing affected by other factors.
- Including perspectives from individuals unaffected by these services allows us to understand the broader relevance and potential criticism of the resource allocation.
Simulated Interviews
Inmate (California)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new policy seems like a ray of hope. I've been struggling mentally ever since the abuse happened; it's tough to focus on rehabilitating when you're dealing with trauma.
- I truly hope that the support services reach me and other women in similar situations. It would be life-changing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Inmate (Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grant for emotional support services is much needed. I have suffered a lot and there was never anyone to talk to, no trustable person anyway.
- If the center can deliver on their promise, it might make a big difference in how I look forward to getting out of here and starting fresh.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Former inmate (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see a move towards supporting survivors of abuse even while they are still incarcerated.
- Such services could've helped me transition better into society with better mental health support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Correctional Officer (Alabama)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the national resource center can change the environment in prisons significantly. We correctional officers often feel helpless when inmates can't get the emotional care they need.
- This policy might help us conduct our duties more humanely and effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Prison Psychologist (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could enhance the counseling services we provide significantly by offering more resources and specialized training.
- Such support can help us reach more inmates who are in dire need of psychological help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Warden (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the initiative sounds great, I'm concerned about how the funding will be distributed and managed.
- We need proper guidelines to ensure the services are effective and prisoners truly benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Inmate (Illinois)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I haven't experienced abuse, I have seen its effects on other inmates.
- I believe such services can improve overall morale and make the prison a safer place.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Prison Reform Advocate (Virginia)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic but cautiously aware of the limitations due to budget constraints.
- We need to ensure lasting impact and not just immediate changes with this funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Inmate (Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been dealing with the scars of what happened for years with little to no help.
- If I could trust and access proper emotional support, it would mean a great deal to what little is left of life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Public Defender (Colorado)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My clients often recount harrowing experiences in prison, including abuse. Knowing they can have access to emotional support is reassuring.
- I worry about how case workers will be trained to handle specific trauma related to incarceration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Year 3: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Year 5: $130000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $160000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The scope of implementation across multiple states and correctional facilities could affect cost variability.
- Coordination with existing inmate support systems and mental health services to avoid duplication.
- Potential legal implications and requirements for compliance with health and safety standards in detention facilities.