New Jersey Settles with Women Prisoners Who Say They Were Sexually Assaulted Behind Bars
New Jersey Settles with Women Prisoners Who Say They Were Sexually Assaulted Behind Bars
New Jersey has agreed to pay $21 million to settle a lawsuit filed by several women who claim they were sexually assaulted while serving sentences at the state’s only all-women prison.According to NJ.com, the settlement still needs to be approved by a New Jersey Superior Court judge. Oliver Barry, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said that if the agreement passes the court, then some of the reward will be put into a trust for other potential victims. If more women come forward with claims of abuse, then they may be eligible for a share of the settlement.About $9.8 million will go directly to more than 20 women who have already alleged they were assaulted in the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.Along with providing damages, New Jersey and its Department of Corrections has agreed to reform policies at Edna Mahan. Prison guards will now have to wear body cameras, the use of which will be enforced by Corrections officials.Marcus Hicks, the state Corrections Commissioner, said that New Jersey’s decision to settle shows its good intent.
Jail cell; image by Ichigo121212, via Pixaby, CC0.
Sources
Inmate sues to be transferred out of troubled N.J. women’s prisonN.J. agrees to pay almost $21 million to settle sexual abuse claims at women’s prisonWeinberg, Greenstein, Addiego, Pou Demand Details of $21M Edna Mahan Lawsuit Settlements
About Ryan J. Farrick
Ryan Farrick is a freelance writer and small business advertising consultant based out of mid-Michigan. Passionate about international politics and world affairs, he’s an avid traveler with a keen interest in the connections between South Asia and the United States. Ryan studied neuroscience and has spent the last several years working as an operations manager in transportation logistics.