How are PREA data used in public reporting?

• A. Data are kept confidential and never released.
• B. Data are compiled in annual public reports to promote transparency and accountability, while safeguarding victim confidentiality.
• C. Data are published with victim names to aid investigations.
• D. Data are used only for internal audits.

Answer: (B)

Public reporting of PREA data is about transparency while safeguarding victims. Facilities collect and present aggregated PREA information in annual public reports so the public, oversight bodies, and policymakers can see how well prevention and response efforts are working, identify trends, and spot areas needing improvement. The data are shown in a de-identified, aggregated form—examples include total allegations, substantiated incidents, response times, training completion rates, and other compliance metrics—without disclosing any victim’s identity. This approach allows meaningful accountability and progress tracking while protecting victim confidentiality and safety.

Publishing in this way contrasts with keeping data confidential and never released, which would obscure performance and hinder accountability; publishing with victim names would violate confidentiality and safety; and using data only for internal audits would limit external oversight and public awareness.