RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — State officials say Virginia is marking a milestone relating to a federal law designed to reduce sexual assaults in prison.

The Virginia Department of Corrections says several of its facilities have obtained full compliance of under the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

The law is designed to ensure correctional facilities establish policies and practices to protect those who are incarcerated from sexual violence by staff and other offenders.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed unanimously by Congress in 2003 and standards went into effect in 2012.

State officials say Deerfield Correctional Center in Capron first received full compliance in April, followed by Lunenburg Correctional Center, Nottoway Correctional Center and Deep Meadow Correctional Center. Units of Rustburg Correctional Center and Caroline Correctional Center also have obtained full compliance.

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