http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/justice/alabama-prison-complaint/index.html
Women allege widespread sexual abuse at Alabama prison, nonprofit group says CNN.com
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 1:04 PM EDT, Tue May 22, 2012
CNN.com
(CNN) -- An Alabama women's prison is the focus of a formal complaint filed with the Justice Department on
Tuesday that alleges male guards for years engaged in the widespread sexual abuse of female inmates, according to a
nonprofit group called The Equal Justice Initiative.
"In interviews with more than 50 women incarcerated at the (Tutwiler Prison for Women), EJI uncovered evidence
of frequent and severe officer-on-inmate sexual violence," the Montgomery-based group said in a statement.
On Tuesday, it asked the Justice Department to investigate alleged incidents occurring between 2009 and 2011. The
federal agency confirmed it received the complaint though declined further comment.
"This troubling cycle of abuse and lack of accountability has established a widespread pattern and practice of
custodial sexual misconduct," said Bryan Stevenson, the group's executive director.
Stevenson also blamed the Alabama Department of Corrections for underreporting the alleged attacks -- which
include incidences of rape -- and responding inadequately.
Several imprisoned women also became pregnant after being raped by guards, giving birth while in custody, the
group said.
CNN cannot independently confirm that account. The Alabama attorney general's office referred questions to the
Department of Corrections, which did not immediately return a call for comment.
CNN's Dave Alsup contributed to this report.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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