Inmate Sexual Abuse

Recent lawsuits reveal the gravity of the situation. One example is the Women’s Community Correctional Center that recently settled a lawsuit for $2 million after inmates came forward alleging claims of sexual abuse by correctional officers. It’s a small step towards acknowledging the harm in compensating these victims. A March, 2024 investigation by CBS News found 719 sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against the New York City Department of Correction by female inmates, alleging a pattern of abuse that spans decades. If someone is actively experiencing sexual abuse as an incarcerated individual, it can be very difficult to document the harm and report it in official capacities. But this is the most important thing that you can do as a first step: writing down everything that you remember happening in a safest way as possible. It can be incredibly difficult to seek medical attention within the facility as this may require revealing the abuse to staff and many fear, retaliation, or escalation of abuse.

Once you’ve documented the harm that happened to you, he next best thing someone actively experiencing sexual abuse while incarcerated is to tell a trusted individual outside of the incarceration center, who can call hotlines and seek guidance on the individual’s behalf. If you previously experienced sexual abuse by staff while incarcerated at a government run facility, you have legal rights and options. Reaching out to a lawyer experienced with inmate sexual abuse can help you understand those options. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complex legal landscape and help you potentially file a lawsuit against the institution to seek monetary damages for the harm that happened to you. Helping Survivors works with a variety of law firms around the nation who specialize in sexual abuse cases. You can reach out to us for more information and to be connected with someone who can help today.