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.

  • Toni Lynn was sexually assaulted by an officer at a California state prison. Like many survivors, Toni Lynn tells of the shame and self-recrimination that resulted from the abuse.

     

  • After arriving at state prison, Kerry repeatedly requested placement in protective custody. Instead of guaranteeing his safety, officials ignored his pleas, allowing another inmate to rape and extort Kerry.

  • Two inmates raped Bill when he was in a Connecticut jail after being picked up on drug charges.