In an Oakland church Saturday, more than two dozen former inmates who had been victimized during the “rape club” culture at the all-female prison gathered to share their harrowing stories of abuse,…
Women in the audience listen intently to a panel of survivors of the staff sexual abuse at the now-closed Federal Correctional Institution Dublin Prison during a Survivor Support Gathering event held at the Unitarian Church of Oakland in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. The event is sponsored by a group called the Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition.
By Saturday evening, at least four of them were ready to tell their stories publicly – and attach their names. Former prison inmate Windy Panzo speaks while sitting with a panel of survivors of the staff sexual abuse at the now-closed Federal Correctional Institution Dublin Prison during a Survivor Support Gathering event held at the Unitarian Church of Oakland in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. The event is sponsored by a group called the Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition.
When other victims came forward with stories of rampant abuse at the hands of jailers, Panzo finally spoke up about her own. She testified against Highhouse, who is now serving a 7-year sentence for sexually assaulting her. During the sentencing, the judge noted Highhouse’s “sustained predatory behavior against traumatized and defenseless women in prison.” Panzo also gained the strength to testify on a video call in front of a Congressional committee.
She told a prison psychologist, who said “we have no mental health available.” If she was suicidal, he told her, she could go to solitary confinement. “And that was the end of my conversation with him.” The California Coalition for Women Prisoners, which is part of the Dublin Prison Solidarity Coalition, filed a class action lawsuit in August 2023 seeking fundamental reforms at the prison and systemic change in the federal Bureau of Prisons. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez RogersWendy Stills, to oversee reforms there.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FCI Dublin sex assault survivors share stories of abuse at Oakland churchArticles and videos about FCI Dublin sex assault survivors share stories of abuse at Oakland church on KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco.
Read more »
Oakland Roots sign one-year deal to move into Coliseum after A's move outThe Oakland Roots professional soccer team is putting down deeper roots in Oakland next year.
Read more »
Oakland minors missing for several weeksTwo Oakland minors have been missing for several weeks now out of Oakland, police shared.
Read more »
Oakland: Two injured in highway shooting on Saturday afternoonOne of the injured individuals sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head.
Read more »
Taveras delivers game-ending single for Rangers in 3-2 win over A'sThe Texas Rangers beat the Oakland A's 3-2 on Saturday night.
Read more »
Brant Hurter hurls 5 1/3 innings of 1-run ball, helps Tigers edge A's 2-1The Detroit Tigers beat the Oakland Athletics 2-1 on Saturday.
Read more »