The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional staff at two California women’s prisons: Central California Women’s Facility and California Institution for Women. This follows numerous lawsuits and claims of abuse, including forced sexual acts and misconduct by officers in exchange for favors. Survivors and those with relevant information are urged to contact the DOJ to aid the investigation.

For further details, you can read the full press release here.

Key Points:

  • Investigation Focus: The DOJ will assess whether the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has failed to protect incarcerated individuals at these facilities from sexual abuse by correctional staff. Department of Justice
  • Background: Over the past two years, women have filed private lawsuits alleging sexual abuse at the Central California Women’s Facility, with claims ranging from inappropriate groping during searches to forcible rape. A civil lawsuit was also filed on behalf of women incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, including allegations of forcible rape, groping, and threats of violence. Department of Justice

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We Want to Hear from You

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault or harassment at the Central California Women’s Facility or the California Institution for Women, you can confidentially contact the lawyers at Sauder Schelkopf by filling out the form on this page or calling 888.711.9975