NATIONAL

1in6, Inc. works to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood to live healthier, happier lives and provides resources for people who care about them. 

Work with: Men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood, their family members, friends, and partners
Services for survivors during incarceration include: 1in6 has a library of books to borrow that includes over 30 titles, with a combined total of more than 200 copies available for loan. The books are grouped into several categories, including books for prisoners, which include Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom by Robin Casarjian and We’re All Doing Time: A Guide to Getting Free by Bo Lozoff. You can only borrow one book at a time, and books can only be mailed within the U.S. and Canada. For more information or to request a book, contact 1in6 at the address provided above.
Services for survivors after release include: Comprehensive information about adult male survivors of child abuse, and those who care about them. The 1in6 website includes information, FAQ’s, Online SupportLine, and a Lending Library.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Additional Information: 1in6 also provides services in Spanish. Se ofrece servicios en español.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. The Prison Watch Project monitors human rights abuses in U.S. federal and state prisons, specifically the practice of isolation and torture, and it promotes nationwide and international attention to these concerns. Survivors of sexual abuse behind bars who have been placed in isolation can contact the Prison Watch Project for information and free publications, including Survivors Manual: Survival in Solitary, a manual written by and for people living in control units.

Work with: Prisoners facing human rights abuses, including sexual abuse
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Information, free publications, and referrals, when appropriate.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers information on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in English and Spanish via their toll free numbers. The CDC provides anonymous, confidential information on these diseases and their prevention. The CDC also provides referrals to clinical and other services.

El Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) ofrece información sobre el VIH/SIDA y otras enfermedades de transmisión sexual a través de sus líneas telefónicas, libre de cargos. El CDC ofrece información anónima y confidencial sobre estas enfermedades y su prevención. El CDC también ofrece referidos a clínicas y otros servicios.

Center for Health Justice empowers people affected by incarceration to make healthier choices and advocates for the elimination of disparities between prisoner health and public health. Center for Health Justice offers programs and services to both men and women in correctional facilities with a focus on prisoners who are infected with or at risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Service area: Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles County Jail system; hotline calls are taken from around the country.
Work with: Current and former prisoners/detainees who are infected with or at risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Hepatitis C
Services for survivors during incarceration include: A toll-free national inmate health hotline that provides HIV and STI treatment and prevention information, support for callers who are ill or newly diagnosed, and advocacy regarding medical care, medications or other health issues. Inmates in the LA County Jail system who have been sexually assaulted can call the hotline for information, referrals for HIV testing, and help with a pre-release health plan.
Services for survivors after release include: Case management; HIV testing and counseling; peer mentoring to HIV+ parolees; transportation services; substance abuse support groups; information; and referrals for housing and other needed services.
Services for loved ones include: Support, information, and referrals.
Fees: Free
Additional information: Center for Health Justice offers programs throughout the Los Angeles County Jail system to promote prisoner health, including: condom distribution, substance abuse classes, Hepatitis C and HIV education,  risk reduction counseling, and support for inmates in the K6G dorm at Men’s Central Jail; self-empowerment workshops, risk reduction counseling, Hepatitis C and HIV education and support services for female inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF); HIV education and counseling to general population inmates at CRDF; HIV treatment and Syphilis education classes at the Los Angeles County Jail; Hepatitis C education for general population male inmates at Pitchess Detention Center; and peer educator training at Men’s Central Jail and Century Regional Detention Facility. Write or call Center for Health Justice for more information on these programs.

HEARD is dedicated to identifying and removing barriers that prevent deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind people from participating in and having equal access to the justice system. Specifically, HEARD works to correct and prevent deaf wrongful convictions, advocates for deaf defendants and prisoners, and educates legal practitioners, justice professionals, and the deaf community. HEARD created and maintains the only known national deaf/deaf-blind prisoner database.

Work with: Deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind prisoners and their loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Referrals to deaf-friendly counseling services and attorneys; educational materials; a pen pal network for deaf/deaf-blind prisoners; direct communication with wardens and prison staff on behalf of deaf/deaf-blind prisoners; and in person visits on a limited basis.
Services for survivors after release include: Referrals to deaf-friendly counseling services and accessible educational materials.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate on behalf of prisoners and to protect the human rights of those in detention. HRDC publishes the prisoners’ rights magazine Prison Legal News and publishes and distributes legal self-help books. To request a subscription to Prison Legal News or to request a free book catalog, contact HRDC at the address above.

Work with: All prisoners and their loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Publication and distribution of legal and self-help books for prisoners.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

The National Hepatitis Prison Coalition was formed to bring together organizations and individuals interested in raising awareness and providing support to prisoners who are suffering from hepatitis and HIV/HCV co-infection. The coalition’s goal is to help educate prisoners and advocate for better testing, treatment, and prevention of these diseases.

Work with: Prisoners suffering from Hepatitis and HIV/HCV co-infection, their loved ones and corrections staff
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Educational materials, seminars and trainings about hepatitis, and support groups inside correctional facilities.
Services for survivors after release include: All of above as well as free Hepatitis C testing for people living in the greater Seattle area.
Services for loved ones include: Support, information, and resources about Hepatitis.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN partners with 1,100 rape crisis centers to operate the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) that automatically connects callers to their local center for services. RAINN also operates the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (online.rainn.org) that provides anonymous crisis intervention services via the Internet.

Work with: Survivors of rape, sexual abuse, incest and their loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Connection to local rape crisis centers via the hotline, online crisis intervention, information, and resources.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

The National Women’s Health Information Center is a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Information is provided on sexual assault, including specific resources and information on how to get help, as well as over 800 other women’s health topics. Trained English- and Spanish-speaking Information and Referral Specialists have access to thousands of publications and organizations with information on sexual assault, and they will find and order free health information or provide organizational referrals to assist you with any health questions.

To request resources and information you may call the toll-free hotlines, write to the address above or use their online form at http://www.womenshealth.gov/contact-us/.

Información y consejeras disponibles en español. Marque el 2 para español.

The Project on Addressing Prison Rape is a grant funded program at the American University Washington College of Law. The Project has contacts with advocate groups and correctional agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and will work to resolve survivors’ issues at the facility level, whenever possible. The Project on Addressing Prison Rape can also provide assistance to survivors’ family and friends. Survivors can contact the Project confidentially by making their correspondence “Legal Mail”.

Work with: All survivors of sexual abuse in detention and their loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Information, medical and mental health referrals, legal resources, and other referrals.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

The Transgender, Gender Variant, and Intersex (TGI) Justice Project’s mission is to challenge and end the human rights abuses committed against transgender, gender variant/genderqueer, and intersex (TGI) people in California prisons and beyond.

Work with: Transgender, gender variant/genderqueer, and intersex (TGI) people throughout California and the United States
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Subscription to the TGIJP Stiletto prison newsletter and a free copy of the handbook, Surviving Prison in California: Advice by and for Transgender Women. The handbook contains tips and information about housing, protection from abuse, education, health, and other resources. The handbook and newsletter are free for prisoners. Resources and self-advocacy tools are available through the mail.
Services for survivors after release include: Peer support and education for formerly incarcerated TGI people; and empowerment retreats for trans people who are coming home from prison.
Services for loved ones include: None.
Additional Information: TGIJP also offers public speaking and political education through trainings, speeches, and workshops on the experiences and stories of transgender people in prison as part of the movement to end mass imprisonment.

Women Alive has a goal of bringing women affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS out of isolation through information, encouragement, and emotional support. Women Alive advocates, collaborates, and educates to improve the health and wellbeing of women of color and their families.

Work with: HIV positive women, women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS transmission, their sexual partners, and loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Information and referrals and connection to HIV/AIDS post-incarceration programs.
Services for survivors after release include: Mental health services; group and individual psychotherapy; basic health education on HIV/AIDS and other STDs; and intimate partner violence education.
Services for loved ones include: All of above.
Additional Information: Women Alive also provides services in Spanish. Se ofrece servicios en español.

FOR IMMIGRATION DETAINEES

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) reviews and assesses information concerning abuses of civil rights, civil liberties, and profiling on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion, by employees and officials of the Department of Homeland Security. Complaints should be submitted in writing via letter, fax, or e-mail to the address listed above. Please include: contact information, including date of birth, a phone number, email address or mailing address; a written description of the circumstances, please be as specific as possible, include date, location, agency name etc.; and relevant documents such as copies of paperwork related to complaint; summary.

FOR IMMIGRATION DETAINEES

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for conducting and supervising audits, investigations, and inspections relating to the programs and operations of the Department and is charged with preventing and detecting fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and waste in DHS programs and operations. The OIG provides a toll-free hotline for complaints and detainees can also submit complaints in writing via letter, e-mail, or fax to the addresses listed above.

FOR STATE AND JAIL INMATES

The DOJ Civil Rights Division enforces the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which authorizes the Attorney General to initiate suits against state or local officials who operate institutions in which a pattern or practice of flagrant or egregious conditions deprive residents of their constitutional rights. While this office collects information about specific incidents in order to determine whether there may be a pattern or practice that warrants investigation, they do not have authority to investigate or remedy individual complaints about a particular incident. The Special Litigation Section can only investigate institutions run by, or on behalf of, state and local governments. This means that the Civil Rights Division cannot investigate federal institutions (such as federal prisons or ICE detention centers).

FOR FEDERAL DETAINEES

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigates complaints regarding the violation of civil rights/civil liberties by Department of Justice (DOJ) employees. It also conducts independent audits, inspections, and special reviews of DOJ personnel and programs to detect and deter waste, fraud, and abuse. The OIG has jurisdiction over all complaints of misconduct against Department of Justice employees, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Attorneys Offices; and employees who work in other Divisions or Offices in the Department of Justice. Individuals who believe that a Department of Justice employee has violated their civil rights or civil liberties may contact the OIG by mail at the above address.

FOR IMMIGRATION DETAINEES

For allegations involving medical or mental health care also send to:

Attn: Captain Philip Jarres, Branch Chief of Field Operations for the U.S. Public Health Service

1220 L Street, NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005

Fax: (202) 732‑0095

E-mail: philip.jarres@dhs.gov

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Management Division investigates allegations of violations of immigration detention standards that cannot be resolved on a facility-level. If a detainee feels the local ICE office failed to take appropriate action in a timely manner in response to an alleged violation of detention standards, the detainee should report the matter to ICE Headquarters. Please direct these inquiries to the Acting Deputy Assistant Director at the address above. All reports of alleged violations should be submitted in writing via letter, e-mail, or fax.

The ACLU National Prison Project (NPP) engages in state and federal advocacy on policy issues related to sexual abuse in prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers. NPP also handles class action suits involving prison, jail and juvenile detention conditions and related issues in state and federal institutions.

Work with: Prisoners who have suffered abuse while in detention, including sexual abuse
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Litigation is usually limited to cases involving major class actions challenging conditions of confinement or other cases of national significance. The ACLU does not handle post-conviction cases or cases on behalf of individual prisoners. Prisoners can send their complaints via confidential legal mail to the above address.
Services for survivors after release include: None
Services for loved ones include: None

The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate on behalf of prisoners and to protect the human rights of those in detention. HRDC publishes the prisoners’ rights magazine Prison Legal News and publishes and distributes legal self-help books. To request a subscription to Prison Legal News or to request a free book catalog, contact HRDC at the address above.

Work with: All prisoners and their loved ones
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Publication and distribution of legal and self-help books for prisoners.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.

Immigration Equality is a national organization that fights to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive (LGBT/H) people under U.S. immigration law. Immigration Equality provides a pro bono asylum project and provides legal representation to asylum seekers, including those who are detained.  Immigration Equality also works on policy issues to improve conditions of detention for LGBT/H individuals.

Work with: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals who have an immigration issue related to their LGBT/H identity
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Legal representation if the case is accepted, assistance in filling out complaint forms concerning conditions of detention, legal information and country conditions packets for those whose cases Immigration Equality does not accept.
Services for survivors after release include:  All of the above.
Services for loved ones include:  Basic legal information.
Additional Information: Immigration Equality also provides services in Spanish and French. Se ofrece servicios en español. Les services ici sont disponibles en francais.

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Willing to represent/consider cases from: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV positive (LGBT/H) people whose civil rights have been violated. Lambda can also assist LGBT/H individuals who are seeking legal information and assistance in reference to discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or HIV status.
Legal assistance offered includes: Information, referrals, and legal representation for a limited number of people. Cases with a potential for high-impact litigation are given priority. To request help or information, prisoners are encouraged to contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk by calling the regional office that corresponds to their state (regions listed above). If Help Desk staff are busy helping other callers, your call will be routed to the Legal Help Desk voicemail. Please leave the following information: name, state, contact info, best time to reach you, and a brief message outlining your legal inquiry. A Help Desk staff person will return your call. It is usually most efficient for Help Desk callers to contact Lambda Legal by phone. If you are in a place where you are not able to make long distance calls, Lambda can make an appointment to call you. If you are unable to make or receive calls, you may e-mail Lambda Legal at legalhelpdesk@lambdalegal.org or write to the office in your region.
Additional Information: Lambda Legal also provides services in Spanish. Se ofrece servicios en español.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is a national non-profit, public interest law firm committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Prisoners and jail detainees can contact NCLR by phone, US postal mail, email, and/or by filling out a form on the NCLR website. NCLR provides legal information and helps connect people to LGBT-friendly attorneys. NCLR’s Youth Project has a focus on juvenile justice, and encourages youth who have been mistreated, harassed, or physically or sexually assaulted because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, to have their attorneys or advocates, or their family members contact NCLR with questions about their legal rights and for information about their legal options. All services are free.

Work with: Anyone with legal issues related to the civil and human rights of LGBT people, including family law issues
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Legal information and resources for inmates being mistreated, harassed, or physically or sexually assaulted because they are LGBT or they are perceived to be, including denial of medical care for transgender people in prison or jail.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.