Rights and Options for Survivors of CIW Sexual Abuse

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse while incarcerated at the California Institution for Women, also known as CIW, you’re not alone. Survivors have stepped forward to share their stories and pursue legal action. Women incarcerated at CIW have alleged that corrections officers sexually assaulted them and that staff, including high level officials, ignored their complaints, or even punished them for speaking out. These serious allegations have led to criminal convictions, settlements, pending charges, and ongoing civil litigation.

In correctional facilities like CIW, sexual abuse can take many forms. staff inmate relationships which are always illegal due to the power imbalance. Sexual exploitation where officers coerce inmates into sexual acts in exchange for basic needs or privileges. Voyerism where officers watch or record inmates for their own gratification. Sexual assault including unwanted touching or penetration. Sexual harassment such as inappropriate comments or indecent exposure. in coercion or threat such as extending an inmate’s sentence or reporting abuse.

Sadly, sexual abuse in prisons is widespread. A federal report found staff sexual misconduct in two-thirds of women’s federal facilities. At CIW, a recent audit revealed the prison lacked surveillance in key areas where abuse often occurs and reported dozens of staffs on inmate sexual abuse cases in just a single year. These problems aren’t new. In 2012, an officer impregnated an inmate and later pled guilty. In 2016, another officer was accused of months of repeated assaults before the case quietly settled. In 2017, three officers were removed for sexual abuse. Yet, some served little to no jail time. In 2020, a survivor sued multiple officers and alleged she was retaliated against by being sent to solitary confinement. And in 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against a prison gynecologist accused of horrific sexual abuse.

These stories highlight a pattern of abuse and neglect inside CIW. But survivors are not without options. Victims of CIW sexual abuse have legal rights. They may seek compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, pain, and suffering, and even punitive damages when misconduct was severe. California law now gives survivors more time to come forward. Thanks to a change in a statute of limitations, victims can file a lawsuit up to 10 years after an officer is convicted or even 10 years after the officer leaves their position. This retroactive law means that survivors who were silenced before now have the chance to pursue justice.

If you or someone you love suffered abuse at the California Institution for Women, know that you have rights and there are legal avenues available to seek accountability and compensation. Contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your legal options.