Justice Department to investigate widespread sexual abuse claims at California women’s prisons

The California Legislative Women’s Caucus has been urging the state to take action after holding a briefing a year ago on conditions at the prisons. The caucus said it welcomed the Justice Department’s investigation.

“Over the past year, we have met with far too many incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people who have shared horrific stories of sexual misconduct by staff in our state prisons,” Sens. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the caucus chair, and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters (Yolo County), the vice chair, said in a statement. “We hope that this DOJ investigation will not only put an end to this unconscionable abuse, but also ensure that California meets its constitutional duty to safeguard the civil rights of all incarcerated people.”

For the full report, click here.