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.

  • Rosa was sexually abused repeatedly by staff in two different Kentucky facilities. Although she bravely reported her abuse to prison officials and the police, Rosa was not protected from further sexual assaults. Nor were her attackers held accountable. Rosa is traumatized by the abuse, but finds comfort in sharing her story.

  • Trish is a transgender woman who has been sexually abused repeatedly during her 30 years of being incarcerated in men’s prisons in Oklahoma.

  • 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.

  • Derrick survived a sexual assault in a Florida prison — and the perpetrators got away with it. As a result of the abuse, Derrick struggles with depression, insomnia, and feelings of anger.

  • James was sexually assaulted many times by his cellmate while corrections officials turned a blind eye. He was only able to escape his abuser by telling staff that he was suicidal.