BARCC Program Spotlight: Incarcerated Survivor Support Program (ISSP)

ISSP is an essential BARCC resource for incarcerated survivors. We talked to Dave Rini, the Incarcerated Survivor Support Program Manager, about the Incarcerated Survivor Support Program (ISSP) and what it does for survivors who are incarcerated. 

Program Background

Dave, a former volunteer and a six-year employee of BARCC, is committed to creating a world free of sexual violence. When Dave first got involved with BARCC, he served as a Community Awareness and Prevention Services volunteer (COAPES). Now, as a BARCC staff member and former volunteer, Dave has seen BARCC expand not only its number of staff, but also its services. 

ISSP is a fairly recent and specific addition to BARCC services. The program was initially created in 2014 after the passing of the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, which requires prisons to take steps to prevent inmate rape and support incarcerated survivors. After being approached by the Department of Corrections (DOC) to start providing resources to incarcerated survivors, BARCC first launched the Incarcerated Survivor Support Program (ISSP), formerly known as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Program. This program is unique because it’s one of the few of its type that serves survivors who are incarcerated, and the only one that serves these communities with the help of volunteers. ISSP’s connection with the DOC is also unique as it allows the program to serve as a resource for the entire state prison system, as well as regionally with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office for short-term incarceration. Although ISSP primarily works with men survivors, this program serves incarcerated survivors of all genders and backgrounds, as long as they are 18 years of age or older. 

Changes to ISSP

ISSP has grown significantly since its beginnings. Dave remembers when he “was the first full time staff member” with ISSP, whereas now ISSP is supported by three  staff and more recently, volunteers, who are crucial to ISSP.  Not only do volunteers undergo a 40-hour rape crisis counselor training before they begin managing the hotline, but they also continue to engage in regular, ongoing training about best hotline practices during their time as volunteers. The ISSP volunteer-managed hotline is central to the program because, as Dave describes, it is the “entrance point” for incarcerated survivors. With the help of ISSP staff and volunteers, ISSP can fulfill what Dave believes to be its most important role, “show[ing] a long term commitment and dedication to working with those who are incarcerated.”

There are multiple aspects of ISSP services. In an in-person environment, ISSP focuses on in-facility help such as workshops and classes. However, during the pandemic, ISSP services shifted towards building a volunteer base to support the hotline (which operates 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., 365 days a year), informative videos, and mail-order resources.  

As BARCC moves back to an in-person environment, the ISSP team looks forward to supporting survivors, re-engaging partnerships, and continuing to help incarcerated survivors during re-entry. But the ISSP can’t serve these incarcerated communities alone. If you are interested in volunteering with BARCC, we have a variety of opportunities—check them out and apply for an upcoming training today!