The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into allegations of systematic sexual abuse of incarcerated women at two state-run California prisons, the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation stated that it does not tolerate sexual abuse in its prisons and welcomes the investigation.
The investigation was prompted by numerous private lawsuits over the past two years alleging rape and sexual abuse of women at the Chowchilla prison, as well as a lawsuit on behalf of 21 women at the Chino facility. The correctional officers at these prisons are accused of groping, forcibly raping, and threatening the women with violence. Some officers are also alleged to have sought sexual favors in exchange for contraband and privileges.
Officials from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation emphasized that sexual assault is not tolerated in California state prisons and welcomed the independent investigation. In a related development, the federal Bureau of Prisons announced the closure of a women’s prison in Northern California dubbed the “rape club” after an investigation revealed widespread sexual abuse by correctional officers.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline run by RAINN can provide support and connect you with local resources.
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