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.

  • Keith was sexually assaulted after prison officials transferred him to a dangerous facility as punishment for reporting staff misconduct. Keith, who contracted HIV as a result of the abuse, became a powerful advocate. He testified before the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission in 2005 and served on JDI’s Survivor Council. He passed away in 2015.

  • While detained at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, a male corrections officer sexually assaulted Loretta over a period of months. She reported the abuse, which led to the officer’s conviction on sexual misconduct charges. As a result, staff and inmates have retaliated against Loretta.

  • Laci Marie* is a transgender woman who was first locked up as a child and has experienced years of sexual abuse behind bars.

  • Angela is a transgender woman who was repeatedly abused in a Colorado prison. After she reported the abuse, nothing was done to protect her.

  • While working as a porter at a Texas state prison, Ivory was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a female corrections officer. He attempted to report the abuse, but was told that there was nothing that could be done since she was an officer and he was an inmate.