Survivor Stories

JDI has made only minor edits for spelling and clarity. Please note that some of these stories are graphic and may be difficult to read.

  • Eric was raped at knifepoint on the exercise yard in broad daylight.  He was raped again on the very next day by a different prisoner, who demanded sexual favors in return for protection.

  • A power-obsessed prison worker abused Jan and many other inmates for years before he was caught. Years later, Jan and hundreds of female state prisoners settled a class action suit with Michigan for over $100 million after a jury found that prison officials for years ignored cases of rape, sexual advances, and groping by staff.

  • Like many new inmates, Roderick was pressured by gang members for sex in exchange for protection. When he refused, one gang orchestrated an attack on him, leading to years of physical and sexual abuse.

  • Kevin is a survivor of countless sexual assaults, including a gang-rape at knifepoint. He does not feel safe in general population.

  • A male inmate raped Lori while she was detained at a county jail in New York.