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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A complaint is being filed with the U.S. Department of Justice after a non-profit organization says it's uncovered a widespread pattern of officer-on-inmate sexual violence at the Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. The Equal Justice Initiative, which says it provides representation to indigent and prisoners who have been denied fair legal treatment, filed the complaint Tuesday. It's seeking a full federal investigation.
EJI says in interviews with more than 50 women incarcerated at the prison, a pattern of "frequent and severe officer-on-inmate sexual violence" is occurring. EJI says during the course of its investigation, it found that incarcerated inmates gave birth to children fathered out of rape by prison guards and that more than 20 Tutwiler employees have been transferred or fired in the last five years for illegal sexual contact with prisoners. The watchdog group says prison officials are also under-reporting the number of sexual assault incidents.
"Rape and sexual assault of incarcerated women is criminal and an outrageous abuse of power," said EJI Executive Director Bryan Stevenson, who wrote the letter to the Justice Department. "Any failure by state and federal officials to respond quickly and appropriately to reports of sexual violence will contribute to tragic and shameful conditions of confinement for women." [DOCUMENT: Read EJI's investigation]
The Alabama Department of Corrections said it had no comment regarding the allegations.
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Keywords: Women
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