How to Report Sexual Abuse or Harassment at Brazos County Jail (For Inmates and Families)

Anyone with information about sexual abuse or harassment at Brazos County Detention Center can make a report - inmates included. Tell an officer, a volunteer, or put it in writing through a request memorandum. Reporting from outside? You can still pass along what you know. The important thing is getting the information to staff or an approved channel as quickly as possible.

Brazos County Detention Center has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and staff sexual misconduct. Sexual abuse and misconduct aren't tolerated - whether the alleged behavior involves another inmate or a staff member.

Your report won't be brushed aside. According to facility policy, reports of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and retaliation connected to reporting or participating in an investigation must be thoroughly investigated. The facility also prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or takes part in an investigation.

The facility screens all inmates within 72 hours for any history of sexual abuse or assault. Housing decisions are based on that screening. The goal is to identify vulnerability or risk factors early so people can be placed in safer housing.

1. Expect screening early - the policy states inmates are screened within 72 hours for a history of sexual abuse and sexual assault.
2. Expect housing to reflect that screening - placement is made according to the screening results, with safety in mind.
3. Use reporting channels if anything changes - even with screening, you can still report sexual abuse or harassment at any time.

Once you make a report, the facility says it will be taken seriously and investigated. This applies to reports of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and any retaliation tied to reporting or participating in an investigation.

Retaliation isn't something you should have to tolerate. The facility treats it as a separate violation - prohibited and subject to investigation. The 72-hour screening and risk-based housing assignments are part of how the facility works to protect people in custody.

Practical Steps Families

• ✓ Write down what you know (dates, times, names, housing location if known, and what was said or observed).
• ✓ Report it through the facility’s channels - an inmate can tell any officer, tell any volunteer, or send a request memorandum.
• ✓ If you want an outside option, contact the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) at (979) 731-1000.
• ✓ If you’re worried about backlash, know that the facility states retaliation is not allowed for reporting or participating in an investigation.

If you're a family member making a report, know that the facility says all allegations of sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation will be thoroughly investigated. You don't need every detail - sharing what you know can still get the process started.