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.

  • 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.

  • A prisoner in Illinois, Gregory was sexually assaulted by a staff member during a strip search. After courageously reporting the abuse, Gregory was sent to solitary confinement as punishment.

  • A Latina transgender woman, Bamby was sexually assaulted at the age of 18, by another inmate at the Los Angeles County Jail.

  • 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.

  • While serving time in a Texas prison, Joshua was raped by three gang members, including his cellmate. He did not report the assault, because he did not think that prison officials would keep him safe.