Across the country, women in custody face an increased risk of sexual abuse compared to male prisoners. This type of abuse is typically perpetrated by guards and other prison employees, and there is little recourse for the victims.
Sexual abuse in women’s prisons is a persistent issue that will only be addressed if the abusers are held accountable. A dedicated attorney can pursue a civil suit against the perpetrator, the state, and any other party facilitating the abuse. Let Phillips Law Group help you seek justice for what you have experienced.
History of Sexual Abuse in US Prisons
The long history of sexual violence in the United States prison system has been extensively documented. Assaults involving female inmates are widespread. Both government agencies and the press have discovered evidence of widespread abuse by guards, volunteers, and even the wardens overseeing major facilities.
In 2022, a bipartisan investigation by the United States Senate went into detail on the extensive problem of sexual violence in federal prisons. The investigation identified incidents of sexual abuse in two-thirds of all prisons housing women in the past decade. The Senate also noted that the process the U.S. Bureau of Prisons uses to prevent, detect, and resolve inmate abuse is severely lacking.
The Associated Press conducted an investigation in 2022, finding extensive sexual abuse at a federal facility in California. Its report noted that the permissive culture at the prison did little to deter this behavior.
Identifying Common Perpetrators
Every incident of sexual violence in a women’s prison is unique. There is no blueprint for how these attacks happen, which means multiple parties could ultimately be at fault. While attacks from fellow inmates can happen, the most egregious cases usually involve staff-on-inmate assaults.
These incidents frequently occur at the hands of a corrections officer. These individuals have direct contact with inmates daily, and many are in a position of control when there are few witnesses nearby.
In addition to the guards, allegations are common against prison staff or administrators. While they are less likely to have daily contact with female prisoners, they have the power to put themselves in a position where abuse is possible.
Some of the sexual violence in women’s prisons is perpetrated by people not directly employed by the jail or prison. They might include volunteers who work directly with incarcerated women or third-party vendors hired by the state.
A Culture of Abuse
Sexual abuse is unfortunately common among incarcerated women. Although the federal government has taken steps to address the culture of sexual violence in prisons, the reality is that very few people in positions of power face real consequences.
For women in prison, guards and administrators control every aspect of their lives. This power imbalance provides abusers with countless opportunities to make sexual advances on prisoners.
There is often little a prisoner can do after being victimized. The perpetrator could be the person responsible for fielding complaints of abuse, and many prisoners are ultimately punished or face retaliation when they report being sexually assaulted by a guard.
Talk to a Lawyer About Sexual Assault in Women’s Prisons
The issue of sexual abuse in women’s prisons is a significant problem at every level of government. If you or someone you love has suffered abuse while in custody, now is the right time to seek legal help.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are proud to serve as advocates for survivors and are prepared to help you seek justice for the trauma you endured. To learn more about your legal options, reach out for a confidential consultation today.
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