If you were sexually assaulted while you were in prison at Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) in Chowchilla, California, you are not alone—and you may still have time to take legal action.
Valley State Prison for Women was a women-only prison from 1995 to 2013. During that time, many women say they were sexually assaulted and harassed by prison guards and staff.
Some of the things survivors reported include:
- Being touched and groped in private areas during searches
- Being forced into uncomfortable situations in exchange for food or phone calls
- Being assaulted by guards who threatened to punish them if they said anything
- Feeling scared, trapped, and like no one would believe them
Many survivors didn’t speak up because they were afraid. They worried they would lose their privileges, be moved to a worse prison, or be punished and retaliated against. That fear kept them silent for years. But now, the truth is coming out.
A New Law Means You Can Still File a Lawsuit
In 2022, California passed a law called AB 2777. This law gives survivors of sexual assault more time to take legal action, even if the abuse happened many years ago.
If you were sexually assaulted on or after January 1, 2009, you can file a lawsuit until December 31, 2026. That means you still have time to stand up for yourself—even if what happened was a long time ago.
This law was made to help people who were abused and silenced by people in power—like prison guards. It gives survivors a chance to finally be heard and to get compensation for the pain they went through.
For a Free Legal Consultation, Call (310) 321-4800
Hundreds of Survivors Are Already Speaking Up
More than 400 women have already joined a lawsuit against the State of California and the Department of Corrections (CDCR). Some of these women were sexually assaulted at Valley State Prison for Women. Others were at different women’s prisons like the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) or the California Institution for Women (CIW).
Their stories are similar: they were hurt by prison staff, ignored if they asked for help, and left with deep emotional scars. This lawsuit is finally giving them a voice.
What Can You Get From a Lawsuit?
If you were sexually assaulted at Valley State Prison, you may be able to get:
- Compensation for the abuse you suffered
- Help with therapy or mental health care
- Justice against the people and institution who wronged you
- Change—to make sure this doesn’t happen to others
Every case is different. But every survivor deserves to be heard and taken seriously.
Click to Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
The Ryan Law Group is Here to Help
At The Ryan Law Group, our skilled sexual assault and abuse attorneys have decades of experience helping survivors, including those who were assaulted in prison. We understand how hard it is to talk about these things. We will listen. And we will fight for justice for you.
Here’s what we offer:
- Always free and confidential consultations
- No fees unless we win your case
- Trusted lawyers who truly care
- Experience taking on large institutions
The deadline to file your case is December 31, 2026. That may sound far away, but legal cases take time. It’s important to get started as soon as you can, while there’s still time to gather records, get important information, and build your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form Now
You Are Not Alone—And You Deserve Justice
What happened to you was not your fault. You were supposed to be protected and instead, you were hurt by people who had power over you. But you can take that power back.
If you’re ready to talk to someone, The Ryan Law Group is ready to listen. Your story matters. Let us help you tell it—and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
