Justice Department probes sexual abuse claims at California women’s prisons

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into serious allegations of sexual abuse against incarcerated women at two California prisons: the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. This inquiry follows numerous private lawsuits filed over the past two years, which claim that correctional officers engaged in systematic sexual abuse, including rape and coercion for sexual favors in exchange for contraband. The allegations include a lawsuit representing 21 women from the Chino facility, detailing incidents of groping, forced oral copulation, and threats of violence by correctional staff from 2014 to 2020. The Justice Department emphasized that no woman in custody should endure such violations by those sworn to protect them, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has publicly stated its commitment to eradicating sexual abuse within its facilities and has welcomed the federal investigation. Officials have acknowledged the need for accountability and transparency in addressing these serious claims. This investigation comes on the heels of a broader scrutiny of women’s prisons in California, including the recent closure of a facility known for rampant sexual abuse. The findings from this inquiry could lead to significant reforms in the state’s prison system and impact the treatment of incarcerated women across the country.