Although it was converted to an all-male prison in 2013, Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla was previously known as Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW). Opened in 1995, VSPW served as one of the state’s two major women’s prisons and Central California Facility for Women (CCWF).
Countless female inmates came through VSPW during its time of service. At its height, a report from Amnesty International estimated that VSPW was responsible for nearly 3,700 inmates. In this same report, Amnesty International also detailed incidents of sexual abuse of inmates in the facility and their underlying causes. Not surprisingly, many of these issues are prevalent throughout other women’s facilities in California.
Free Consultations Women Inmate Sexual Abuse Victims
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse while previously an inmate at Valley State Women’s Prison, it’s essential to act quickly regarding your legal rights. At Maison Law, we are proud to offer free consultations to any victim of sexual abuse and can help you understand your rights. Our team of experienced California women inmate sexual abuse lawyers will also provide you with support and compassion as you navigate this challenging time. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Was Sexual Abuse Common at VSPW?
Although it was only in operation for 18 years, Valley State Prison For Women was one of the two main women’s prisons operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). As such, it housed female inmates with varying degrees of charges from low-level offenses to multiple felonies. In addition, it was the only women’s prison in the state that had a Secure Housing Unit (SHU).
That said, VSPW also experienced several incidents of sexual abuse to inmates during its operation. According to the Amnesty International report, many inmates experienced repeated sexual abuse and harassment from guards during their incarceration. This treatment included:
- Male officers watching female inmates dress and undress
- Fondle and grope them while performing body searches
- Using sexually offensive language
During the visit to the prison by Amnesty International, which occurred in November 1998, several guards were under investigation for sexual abuse. While VSPW administration outwardly said that they did not condone these acts of abuse, the dynamics involved created a systemic culture that contributed to the abuse. Sadly, many of these factors are present throughout every women’s prison in California.
Why Are Women Inmates So Vulnerable to Sexual Abuse in California Prisons?
Women inmates in California are vulnerable to sexual abuse for many of the same reasons that women inmates across the country are vulnerable to sexual abuse. In short, the balance of power in prison is firmly stacked against an inmate. Virtually every person they come across that’s not an inmate has power and authority over them. This, unfortunately, leads to incidents of sexual abuse and assault.
But other factors make women inmates vulnerable to sexual abuse in California prisons, including:
- Lack of oversight – Historically, California prisons have been criticized for their lack of oversight and accountability when it comes to addressing reports of sexual abuse and misconduct.
- Inadequate training – While every prison has policies and procedures relating to sexual abuse, staff may not receive adequate training on preventing and responding to incidents of abuse and misconduct. This can contribute to a culture of impunity and disregard for the safety and well-being of inmates.
- Overcrowding – Overcrowding in California prisons can lead to a lack of privacy, which can exacerbate the risks of sexual abuse and make it more difficult for victims to report incidents of abuse.
- Gender dynamics – The gender dynamics of prisons can also make women inmates vulnerable to sexual abuse. Women inmates may be subjected to gendered forms of abuse and harassment, and the male-dominated culture of prisons may make it difficult for women to speak out or seek help.
Despite all of the resources in place to combat the issue of sexual abuse in California prisons, it still remains an ongoing problem. Part of this is due to the above factors, as well as other reasons that are inherent to the prisoner-officer relationship. Ultimately, sexual abuse in prison is a complex and challenging issue that requires a commitment to humane treatment and a multi-faceted approach to address and deal with incidents.
What Are Some Ways Inmates Can Protect Themselves Against Sexual Abuse in California Prisons?
As an inmate, part of the issue of sexual abuse is that it’s difficult to set proper boundaries with your abuser, especially if they’re an officer or staff member at the prison. However, the fact is that sexual abuse of any kind is not only against policy but against the law in California. Thus, you have legal protection from any form of sexual abuse. Still, it’s always important to protect yourself. Here are a few ways you can do so:
- Know your rights – Inmates have the right to be free from sexual abuse and harassment. Familiarize yourself with your rights and report any incidents of abuse or harassment to prison staff.
- Seek support – Find a trusted friend or ally within the prison community who can offer support and help you navigate the system if you need to report an incident of abuse.
- Stay vigilant – Be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of those around you. If you feel unsafe or notice anything suspicious, report it to prison staff.
- Use official channels – Report any incidents of abuse or harassment through official channels, such as the prison’s reporting system or the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) hotline.
- Document any abuse – Keep a record of any incidents of abuse or harassment, including dates, times, and the names of anyone involved. This can be helpful if you need to report the incident later.
- Access support services – Many prisons offer support services for victims of sexual abuse, including counseling and medical care. Take advantage of these services if you need them.
While you may not be able to prevent every incident of sexual abuse, taking the above steps will go a long way to at least protecting your rights under California law. Another way to hold your abuser and the facility accountable is to file a civil lawsuit and recover compensation.
Filing a Claim For Sexual Abuse in VSPW
Even though VSPW was converted to an all-male prison over 10 years ago, victims of sexual abuse while they were incarcerated there still may be able to pursue a sexual abuse claim under California law. This is thanks to the recent passage of Assembly Bill 2777, which extends the statute of limitations for inmate sexual abuse claims to December 31, 2026.
In order to meet this criterion, the sexual abuse or assault would have to have been committed on or after:
- January 1, 2009
Thus, if women inmates at VSPW were subjected to sexual abuse or other mistreatment, they have the right to file a claim for damages against the CDCR, perpetrator, or VSPW. While this option exists, it’s not an easy process. However, by working with our team of experienced women inmate sexual abuse lawyers, we can help you gather any evidence and build an effective case. By filing a claim, you can possibly recover the following compensation related to the incident:
- Medical expenses, including any bills and costs for ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
The amount of compensation you ultimately recover depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your case and the severity of the abuse you suffered. While every case is unique, working with our team can ensure that you’re case will be put in the best possible position to succeed and you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Contact Maison Law Today
Even with the extension provided by AB 2777, victims of sexual abuse at VSPW need to act quickly to protect their rights. Chances are, you’re still dealing with the long-term effects of sexual abuse you experienced as an inmate at VSPW, and our team at Maison Law can help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your options and start the recovery process.
