The US Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into reports of sexual abuse by staff at California’s women’s prisons, including the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. The investigation comes following allegations against a former guard at the CCWF, Gregory Rodriguez, who is facing nearly 100 sexual abuse charges for assaulting women in his custody. Despite reports of abuse dating back to 2014, Rodriguez continued to work and commit alleged sexual assaults until his retirement in 2022. The Department of Justice is now evaluating whether the state is protecting incarcerated residents from sexual abuse by correctional employees.
Advocates have long raised concerns about abuse in women’s prisons, with hundreds of lawsuits filed in the past two years alleging misconduct by staff, including inappropriate groping, genital rubbing, and rape. Reports have also highlighted a culture of coercion, where staff offer contraband and privileges in exchange for sexual favors. Advocates have described an unsafe and inaccessible reporting process, where staff are not held accountable for their actions.
The California Coalition for Women Prisoners has welcomed the investigation, calling the issue an endemic and pervasive problem that has been overlooked for decades. State lawmakers recently passed legislation to address the failures of the corrections department in holding staff accountable for sexual misconduct. The CDCR has implemented reforms, including centralized investigations, intensified staff training, and the use of body-worn cameras.
The investigation by the US Department of Justice shines a light on the systemic issue of sexual abuse in prisons across the country, including at federal women’s facilities. The CDCR has stated that sexual assault is not tolerated within the state prison system and has welcomed the independent investigation in hopes of bringing about necessary changes to protect incarcerated individuals from abuse.
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