Columbus Dispatch
Report details sex-assault crisis in Ohio's juvenile prisons
Three facilities have rates among 13 highest in the nation 

The Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility has a sexual-assault rate estimated at 30.3 percent, second highest in the U.S., according to a report released yesterday by the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics. 

Two other Ohio correctional facilities also post rates among the highest in the nation for rape and other sexual acts forcefully committed against juvenile offenders. The Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility (23.2 percent), and Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility (19.8 percent), were in the top 13 facilities with the highest rates, the report showed. 

Nationally, 9.5 percent of youth incarcerated in state and private facilities reported being sexually victimized one or more times last year, concluded a survey required by the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. Assaults are defined as “unwanted sexual activity” involving either other youth or prison staff. The survey was conducted last year of 8,707 youth in 273 state-owned or -operated facilities and 53 facilities that were locally or privately operated. 

Kim Parsell, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Youth Services, said the agency is “ committed to providing safe, humane and appropriately secure environments for youth. We have zero tolerance for any type of sexual abuse, harassment or assault. All reports of sexual harassment or abuse are handled seriously and respectfully.” 

The agency has more than 1,000 cameras in its four youth dentition facilities, she said. Further, staff members receive specialized training to guard against sexual misconduct. When appropriate, the agency seeks criminal prosecution of staff members for sexual misconduct. Youth who commit sexual misconduct also are held accountable, she said. 

The Justice Department report said the majority of the sexual acts were committed by staff members as opposed to other youths. The report also categorized sexual activities between juvenile offenders and staff members that were unforced but still illegal and inappropriate. 

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