(CIW) California Institution for Women Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Female Inmates Sexually Abused at CIW in Chino

The California Institution for Women (CIW) is a large female prison located in Chino, CA. Unfortunately, this facility has a history of sexual abuse lawsuits and misconduct by staff and other inmates. Victims of this behavior could hold the perpetrators accountable with a California Institution for Women sexual abuse claim.

Injury Lawyer Team is a specialized law firm in California handling sexual abuse lawsuits. Our team will guide you through the claims process to pursue compensation for legal damages. Our expert attorneys know what it takes to hold prison facilities, government agencies, and individual correctional officers accountable.

Allegations of Rampant Sexual Abuse of Female Inmates in California Institution for Women (CIW)

Although many women’s prisons struggle to prevent sexual abuse, the California Institution for Women has had significant challenges with this issue in recent years.

2025– Six women filed a lawsuit against Dr. Scott Lee, who served as the prison’s only gynecologist for roughly seven years. During that time, Dr. Scott Lee allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct under the guise of medical care. The plaintiffs in the case stated that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) was negligent in ignoring the problem.
2024 – The Department of Justice investigated CIW and another facility (Central California Women’s Facility) after numerous reports of assault and retaliation. One of the sexual abuse lawsuits against this Chino prison involved 21 women incarcerated between 2014 and 2020
2017 – Robert Darrow, Tony Garcia, and Stephen Merrill, all correctional officers, were charged with sexually assaulting inmates at CIW. Many of the abuse scenarios involved isolating a single inmate from others.
2012 – Two incarcerated women came forward to file a lawsuit against CIW for ignoring complaints about an officer who was abusing inmates. When abused women reported Gary Swatzell’s behavior, they faced retaliatory actions by the staff, and the officer eventually impregnated one of the women.

Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm

As an experienced California sexual abuse law firm, we have recovered millions for survivors of sexual abuse, including:

$21,000,000 – Valeria was visiting a well-known Beverly Hills hotel when she was attacked by one of its employees. Attorneys discovered that the chain had failed to conduct critical background checks and had ignored past complaints. The substantial settlement reflected both the magnitude of her trauma and the hotel’s disregard for guest safety.
$15,000,000 – In Santa Clara County, a private school allowed a longtime coach to groom and abuse multiple boys over several years. Despite clear warning signs, administrators chose to protect the school’s reputation instead of removing him. The settlement took into account the number of victims and the school’s systemic negligence.
$6,500,000 – While on a cruise that departed from San Pedro, 16-year-old Daniela was raped by a crew member who had been left unsupervised around children. The case exposed how the company’s inadequate safety measures created opportunities for abuse. Her settlement was shaped by the long-term impact of the assault and the operator’s failure to protect its passengers.
$3,000,000 – Gabriela sought care from her OB/GYN at a major San Francisco hospital, only to be repeatedly assaulted during exams. Evidence showed that hospital administrators had overlooked multiple red flags and allowed the physician to continue having access to patients. The settlement reflected both the lasting harm to Gabriela and the hospital’s systemic oversight failures.
$1,160,000 – Andre, a teen held at a Sacramento youth detention center, was assaulted by a correctional officer during his stay. Records later revealed that the guard had a troubling disciplinary history. The recovery acknowledged both the abuse Andre suffered and the institution’s failure to provide basic protections.
$1,000,000 – Twelve-year-old Jordan was attending an after-school program in Fresno when a supervisor sexually abused him. Parents later learned that the nonprofit running the program had no real training or safeguards in place for staff. The settlement acknowledged both Jordan’s suffering and the organization’s broader responsibility to the families in its care.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

A top sexual abuse law firm can make all the difference when you are pursuing compensation after being sexually abused. Injury Lawyer Team is recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers. We also hold a five-star rating from AVVO, and our 98% success rate speaks for itself.

Types of Sexual Violence Against Female Inmates in California State and Federal Correctional Institutions

Many prison sexual abuse lawsuits look different from case to case. Fortunately, Injury Lawyer Team has dealt with various types of detention center misconduct, including:

Sexual assault by prison staff
Sexual harassment during intake, including strip searches or pat-downs
Abuse of authority in exchange for privilege or basic needs
Inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse allowed by correctional staff negligence
Retaliation against victims for reporting abuse to administrators or officers
Cover-ups by the institution or government agencies, allowing a pervasive culture of abuse

What Are the Most Common Causes of Sexual Abuse in Women’s Detention Centers in California?

Determining the cause of your sexual abuse will play an important role in the civil lawsuit. Our legal team will investigate to identify the reason why the abuse was allowed to happen.

Potential causes of sexual abuse in correctional facilities include:

A lack of oversight by guards or state inspectors
Inadequate training of guards and other employees to prevent abusive conduct
Understaffing, resulting in less supervision
Corruption and cover-ups to protect employees and those in power
Systemic retaliation against victims who report their abuse

What Are the Most Common Injuries Female Inmates Sustain?

There are many types of abusive conduct, ranging from inappropriate groping to forcible rape. These actions can have physical and emotional consequences for the victim.

Here are some common injuries incarcerated women may experience due to abusive prison officials and other staff:

Physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, lacerations, etc.)
Reproductive health complications (inability to get pregnant, reproductive injuries)
Psychological trauma (Mental health decline, PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Difficulty reintegrating into society (feeling alone and unsupported after being released)

Investigation into the California Department of Corrections for abuse at CIW

What Damages Can Sexually Abused CIW Inmates Recover in Civil Lawsuits in California?

The purpose of a civil lawsuit is to hold the negligent party accountable while pursuing compensation. You may be eligible for a sizeable settlement based on the following legal damages:

Economic Damages

Lost wages
Diminished earning capacity
Medical expenses
Future medical bills

Non-Economic Damages

Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

For gross negligence or intentional misconduct, which is typical in cases involving sexually abused victims

What Is the Average Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Payout in California?

The average payout for sexual abuse in a prison like the California Institute for Women is roughly $400,000. Your financial compensation will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injury, your insurance policies, liability, and the impact on your emotional well-being.

Why You Need a Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Incarcerated women who have been sexually abused at CIW may face several challenges in civil lawsuits:

Survivor Intimidation – Prison officials or administrators may attempt to force you into silence with threats, coercion, or verbal intimidation
A Lack of Transparency Inside Prison Walls – In many cases, evidence of sexual abuse is hidden within the prisons, allowing employees to protect each other from disciplinary action when abuse is reported
Complex Federal and State Laws – Many laws are at play in such cases, and navigating these complexities is nearly impossible without an experienced lawyer on your side
Need for Specialized Evidence Gathering – Evidence can be difficult to come by after a victim has suffered sexual abuse in a women’s prison setting, so you may need legal assistance to acquire the type of data you’ll need for the claim

Civil Rights Investigation Statistics of Abuse in California Women’s Prisons

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, sexual abuse is a huge issue across the nation. This agency published a 2019 report that listed numerous statistics regarding abuse in correctional institutions in California:

236 non-consensual sexual acts, but only six were substantiated
168 reports of abusive sexual contact, but only six were substantiated
88 reports of sexual harassment, but only one was substantiated

What Laws and Civil Rights Govern Lawsuits Filed for Female Inmate Sexual Abuse in California?

Numerous state and federal laws can play a role in your civil lawsuit. Here are some of the most important regulations that may be relevant to your claim:

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2023 (PREA) – Prisons must meet standards for investigating and responding to allegations of abuse within their walls
42 U.S.C. §1983 – If a state actor (such as the California institution for women) violates constitutional rights, the victim can pursue legal action against them
Article I, § 17 of the California Constitution – Incarcerated persons have the right to be protected from abuse and assault by other inmates, correctional officers, and others
California Government Code § 815.2 & § 820 – Public entities are liable for injuries caused by their employees, including sexual abuse of women incarcerated in California institutions
California Penal Code § 2635–2639 – Regardless of the presence of consent between all parties, sexual acts with incarcerated individuals are illegal

How Long Do Sexually Abused Female Inmates Have to Take Legal Action in California?

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.16 addresses the statute of limitations for sexual abuse, allowing victims to seek compensation within ten years of the abuse or three years of discovering their injuries.

If you were abused as a minor, the legal deadline is your 40th birthday or five years after discovering the abuse, whichever is later (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.1).

Who Is Legally Liable for Sexual Abuse in California Prisons?

Our experienced team of lawyers will help you determine who is liable for legal damages in your California women’s prison sexual abuse lawsuit, which could include:

Correctional officers and prison officials
Other female inmates at CIW
Supervisors and wardens
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Private prison corporations
Medical providers at the institution

Common Defenses in Sex Abuse Cases Involving Prisons and Correctional Staff

The California Institution for Women or the individual abuser will use numerous tactics to undermine your claim and avoid a payout. Some common defenses include:

Claiming there was consent from the victim
Arguing that the statute of limitations has passed
Claiming there is no evidence of sexual misconduct
Addressing the victim’s lack of credibility

We can counter these defenses by gathering additional evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, medical expert testimony, and past complaint reports at the California Institution for Women.

How to Strengthen Your Women’s Correctional Facility Sexual Abuse Case in California

You can build a stronger case by following these steps after you have suffered sexual abuse:

Report the abuse to the facility administration
Seek immediate medical care and follow the treatment plan
Document the abuse
Preserve physical evidence
Speak to witnesses
Consult our expert attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team

How a California Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services include:

Investigating the abuse
Researching past facility violations
Gathering evidence
Assessing legal damages
Negotiating with insurers
Litigating in civil court

FAQs

How much does a women’s prison sexual abuse attorney cost in California?

We work on a contingency fee agreement, which means you owe nothing unless we win.

Who can file a women’s prison sexual abuse claim?

Adult survivors or legal representatives of minor victims.

Can I file a lawsuit if I never filed a formal complaint at the facility?

California laws allow you to pursue a civil lawsuit years later, even if you never formally complained about the abuse.

Can I file a lawsuit if the person who abused me was never criminally charged?

A civil sexual abuse case is separate from a criminal proceeding, so you can seek compensation regardless of the existence of a criminal trial.

Are there any protections for inmates who face retaliation for reporting?

Laws such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act and the Bane Act protect victims of abuse from retaliation for reporting their suffering.

Book a Free Consultation

If you have experienced sexual abuse from correctional officers or other prison staff at CIW, the Injury Lawyer Team can guide you through the claims process. With a contingency fee agreement and free consultations, our services come with no upfront costs.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.

California Institution for Women Sexual Abuse Lawsuits