How to Report Sexual Abuse at Santa Rosa County Jail: hotlines, forms, and confidential options

Santa Rosa County Jail has a zero-tolerance PREA policy for sexual abuse - whether by staff or other incarcerated people. The facility provides PREA education and multiple ways to report, so someone can speak up through different channels if they're concerned about privacy or retaliation.

If someone is in immediate danger or has just been assaulted, telling staff right away is the fastest option. Santa Rosa County Jail lists verbal reporting as a private method - an inmate can speak directly to any staff member to get help and create an official record.

• ✓ Use an inmate request form to privately report sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
• ✓ Use the jail’s grievance forms/system to privately report sexual abuse or sexual harassment.
• ✓ Use either option to report related concerns the jail includes in the same reporting category: retaliation by other inmates or staff and staff neglect.

Santa Rosa County Jail lists the Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program Hotline as an outside reporting option: 1-850-832-3905. The inmate handbook describes it as toll-free and non-recorded - helpful if you're trying to report without going through jail staff.

The jail also lists the National Sexual Assault/Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). It's toll-free and non-recorded. If you're supporting someone inside, this gives them a second external resource for help and reporting.

For someone held on an immigration detainer, the jail lists a separate option: the Community and Detainee Helpline at 1-888-351-4024 (toll-free, non-recorded). Live trained operators are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Language assistance, including Spanish, is available.

1. Get to a safe place - move away from the person who harmed you and toward staff or a safer area.
2. Report the attack to a staff member immediately - reporting right away can also help preserve evidence for a criminal and/or administrative investigation.