In partnership with our co-counsel Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York, Seiden Law filed a groundbreaking lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against three employees of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for engaging in, and failing to investigate, multiple and severe acts of sexual harassment and sexual assault against our client, a female prisoner. Our client was deprived of her right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution, and of her right to bodily integrity and due process of law under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution. As a result, she suffered physical injuries, mental anguish, and severe emotional distress.

“The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (“PREA”) establishes a zero-tolerance policy for prison rape and imposes national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of prison rape.” The employees of the NYS Department of Corrections also failed to provide adequate medical treatment despite receiving a PREA complaint. This lawsuit is significant because it puts in the public domain the issue of prison reform, especially the mistreatment and neglect of women prisoners.

“This pro bono case is an important matter for Seiden Law as we continue to challenge institutions that engage in injustice and violations of the law on behalf of our clients,” said Managing Partner and lead counsel Robert W. Seiden.

To read more about the case please find the complaint here.

We thank the Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York for their partnership with us.