Bedford Hills is the only maximum-security facility for women in New York. Sadly, there have been thousands of reports of inmates being sexually abused while incarcerated here.
The sexual abuse attorneys at Phillips Law Group are pursuing Bedford Hills Correctional Facility sexual abuse lawsuits. As skilled negotiators and litigators, they can pursue justice for exploited inmates and can help you obtain substantial compensation for the harm you suffered.
It is clear that there was a systemic tolerance of the sexual abuse of inmates at the correctional facility for many years. Testimony presented to the state legislature, in civil lawsuits filed by former inmates and in criminal trials of former guards, leaves no doubt. Inmates understood that many guards would demand or accept sexual favors in return for leniency or better work assignments, and that guards would trade contraband for sex.
There is also substantial evidence that prison supervisors were aware of the abuse and did nothing to curb it. Supervisors’ cell block walkthroughs were scheduled so guards knew when their bosses would be present. Surveillance cameras were positioned in areas with known blind spots, which prison management was aware of but did not correct.
Women who were subjected to sexual violence while serving time at Bedford Hills can bring civil lawsuits seeking financial compensation. Under state law, a prisoner cannot consent to sexual relations with a prison employee because of the power disparity between them. A woman who felt pressured to engage in sexual activity—even if it appeared to be a voluntary decision—is actually a survivor of sexual coercion and can speak with a lawyer at Phillips Law Group about pursuing justice for their mistreatment.
People often suffer for years before they are ready to seek justice for sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the law sets time limits on civil lawsuits, called statutes of limitations. The length of time a survivor has to sue varies depending on the age they were when the abuse occurred.
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214(5) allows an adult three years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. However, if the abuse meets the definition of specific sex crimes and occurred on or after September 19, 2019, the victim may have 20 years to sue. An attorney could review the circumstances of sexual abuse suffered during imprisonment at Bedford Hills and determine which time limit applies to file a lawsuit.
Although the facility is an adult prison, some minors tried as adults are also sentenced there. A person born in 1998 or later who experienced sexual abuse at the facility before the age of 18 has until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. Those born before 1998 have only until their 25th birthday to file a lawsuit.
The state passed laws that opened one-year windows for survivors of past sexual abuse to file lawsuits even though the statute of limitations had expired. These windows have now closed. Any former inmate considering a lawsuit must file within the current statute of limitations.
Prison limits your freedom; however, it should not diminish your dignity. If prison guards or others in authority took advantage of their power to exploit you sexually, you deserve financial compensation.
Talk to the lawyers at Phillips Law Group about the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility sexual abuse lawsuits. After reviewing your situation and eligibility, they can pursue your case with compassion and vigor to obtain the justice you deserve.
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