Many factors increase the risk of sexual abuse between staff and inmates in California women’s prisons. Because of the power dynamic between prisoners and those charged with keeping them incarcerated, it is impossible for any kind of sexual contact to be consensual. What is more, there is a long history of sexual assault and abuse in these facilities, with women far more likely than men to be victims.
If you have suffered sexual abuse while incarcerated, now is the time to consider your legal options. California women’s prison sexual abuse lawsuits allow survivors to pursue financial compensation. Let the team at Phillips Law Group help you obtain a measure of justice for the trauma you have suffered.
The History of Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse in California
There are many allegations of sexual abuse in women’s prisons. One of the earliest reports of sexual abuse came in the 1990s during an investigation by Amnesty International. During the investigation, numerous current and former inmates cited incidents of guards and wardens watching them undress or groping them. Reports of sexual harassment were also rampant at the time.
Similar accusations were raised by dozens of female inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin. There was extensive press coverage of a so-called “rape club” formed by staff members to sexually assault inmates. Despite the existence of this group, administrators failed to take any action.
Any of these incidents could lead to a viable case for compensation. There have been numerous lawsuits in recent years, including a 2017 case involving sexual assault in the California Institution for Women in San Bernardino County. Phillips Law Group can help the victims of institutional abuse seek justice by filing a civil suit.
What Damages Are Available?
Sexual assault, especially at the hands of a prison guard or warden, can leave a lasting impact on a survivor’s life. It can bring significant physical, financial, and emotional trauma. A successful civil suit cannot erase what happened, but it can offer survivors resources to cover their costs and compensate them for their injuries.
As with any injury case, survivors can recover a monetary award for their physical injuries. This is usually in the form of compensation for past and future medical bills. While physical care is important, the emotional toll of sexual abuse is often the greater concern. This sort of emotional hardship cannot be measured, but it can result in a monetary reward. A lawsuit could result in the awarding of compensation based on the cost of therapy and other mental health care, both now and in the future.
Compensation may be available for women survivors of sexual offenses in California prisons, but getting the most out of a suit can be difficult without help. Phillips Law Group can handle every aspect of the claims process.
Contact a California Injury Lawyer for Help With Women’s Prison Sexual Crimes Claims
If you suffered sexual abuse while in custody, you deserve justice. California women’s prison sexual abuse lawsuits make claiming compensation possible. While the prospect of suing the state can be daunting, you can have the support of strong legal counsel by your side. Let Phillips Law Group fight for your rights. Contact them today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options for legal action.
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