Hundreds of former inmates from two prisons located in Chino, CA and Chowchilla, CA are part of a new lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for sexual abuse.
The prisons, known as California Institution for Women in Chino (CIW) and Central California Women’s Facility located in Chowchilla (CCWF), are part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system. Both prisons can each house around 2,000 inmates at once, and are 2 of the 3 major women’s prisons in California.
How Do I Join the Lawsuit For Sexual Abuse at Women’s Prisons in Chino and Chowchilla?
The lawsuit that was filed in December 2024 states that hundreds of former inmates from both prisons were subjected to sexual abuse at the hands of prison staff. In a September 2024 announcement by the Justice Department of the investigation into the facilities, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated that “no woman incarcerated in a jail or prison should be subjected to sexual abuse by prison staff who are constitutionally bound to protect them. Every woman, including those in prison, retains basic civil and constitutional rights and should be treated with dignity and respect. California must ensure that the people it incarcerates are housed in conditions that protect them from sexual abuse. This investigation will determine whether California is meeting its constitutional obligations.”
In addition to the sexual abuse that occurred, inmates were being threatened and coerced to not report the abuse, by way of physical and verbal intimidation, and retaliation by prison staff.
At this time, we are currently investigating all claims regarding the sexual abuse that occurred at California Institution for Women in Chino (CIW) and Central California Women’s Facility located in Chowchilla (CCWF). Contact the skilled California sexual abuse attorneys at The Ryan Law Group and we will evaluate your claim for free.
How Is Sexual Abuse Defined?
In California, sexual assault and battery are outlined in Penal Code Section 243.4. This law describes the crime as the act of touching another person’s intimate areas without their consent, especially when the victim is unlawfully restrained, and the intent behind the touch is for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. Additionally, sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual act, whether physical or otherwise, that violates a person’s autonomy. Coercing, pressuring, manipulating, or intimidating someone into engaging in or tolerating a sexual act is considered sexual abuse. This is a criminal offense that causes personal harm, often resulting in lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that can significantly affect a person’s well-being.
Sexual abuse can occur to both adults and children, and perpetrators may use a variety of verbal and non-verbal methods to carry out these offenses. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse in any form, it’s important to reach out to an experienced California sexual abuse lawyer at The Ryan Law Group. We can provide a confidential consultation to discuss your rights, the potential value of your case, and the steps we can take to help you seek justice and secure the maximum compensation to move forward.
What is the Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse in California?
In California, there are statute of limitations for all claims of personal injury. A statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party, so that you can receive a settlement for your injuries, whether physical or mental. The length of the statute varies by type of case, typically somewhere between 1-3 years, but for sexual abuse in California it can be a little more complicated.
If the survivor of sexual abuse was a minor (under 18) at the time of the last incident, they have until their 40th birthday or 5 years from discovering the abuse to file a civil lawsuit.
For survivors who were 18 or older at the time of the abuse, they have either 10 years from the date of the last act of assault or 3 years from when they discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that their mental condition or injury was caused by the sexual assault. To ensure that you meet the filing deadline, it is crucial to contact an experienced California sexual abuse law attorney as soon as possible. If you are unsure if your claim is still within the statute of limitations, call our firm and we can assist.
What Kind of Compensation is Available For Sexual Abuse Claims in California?
At The Ryan Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial compensation can undo the trauma of sexual abuse or assault. However, pursuing a civil lawsuit offers more than just monetary relief. It is a powerful step toward achieving justice by holding the perpetrator or responsible institution accountable for their actions. Taking legal action can help you find closure by making the abuser face the consequences of their harmful behavior.
While financial recovery may not erase the harm done, it can provide you with the stability and peace of mind needed to move forward. In California, potential compensation for a sexual abuse case can cover various damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation services
- Prescription medications
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Psychological trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of companionship or support from a partner
- Punitive damages
The specific damages you can seek will depend on how the abuse or assault has affected you personally. A sexual abuse lawyer from The Ryan Law Group can assist you in identifying your compensable damages and help you fight against powerful defendants. Our team is committed to securing maximum financial compensation for you, and if necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court in California.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at California Institution for Women in Chino or Central California Women’s Facility located in Chowchilla, please know that you are not alone. We are currently evaluating all claims, and would be happy to see how we can get you justice. Contact our firm at 310-807-6601, we are available 24/7 for 100% free consultations.