How to Report Sexual Abuse & What to Expect from an Investigation at Roanoke County Sheriff's Office

The Roanoke County Sheriff's Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Reports are taken seriously, with a focus on safety and accountability. Their program covers prevention, detection, response, investigation, and tracking. The idea isn't just reacting after something happens - it's having systems to spot problems early, respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and document what comes of it.

Staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct is treated as a serious violation under Virginia Code § 18.2-642. "Staff" doesn't just mean sworn officers - contract workers and volunteers are covered too.

You (or the incarcerated person) can report sexual abuse to any Roanoke County Jail staff member at any time, verbally or in writing. If you're a family member calling in, you don't need to track down a specific unit or wait for a certain shift. Any staff contact can start the process. For reports about inmate-on-inmate abuse or employee sexual misconduct, contact the Jail Administrator at Roanoke County/Salem Jail, 401 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Phone: 540-283-3152.

External Resources

• ✓ Outside reporting by mail: Virginia Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, VA 23261-6963
• ✓ RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): 800-656-4673
• ✓ SARA (Sexual Assault Response and Awareness): 540-981-9352
• ✓ Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance: 800-838-8238

PREA investigations at Roanoke County Jail end with one of three outcomes - and the terms can be confusing. "Substantiated" means the allegation was investigated and confirmed. "Unfounded" means it was investigated and determined not to have happened. "Unsubstantiated" means there wasn't enough evidence to decide either way.

All allegations of sexual misconduct are fully investigated, regardless of how the information comes in. Substantiated incidents get reported to local police for further investigation and possible prosecution. Staff will also take steps to protect the inmate from the assailant and refer victims to medical services for treatment and counseling. If you're supporting someone from the outside, ask about this directly: what protections are in place now, and whether medical and counseling referrals have happened.