Being incarcerated should never mean being abused.

Dozens of women have come forward with heartbreaking stories of sexual abuse, harassment, and humiliation inside LA County’s women’s jail. In a new lawsuit, 38 current and former inmates say male deputies routinely watched them shower, groped them during escorts, and retaliated when they tried to speak out.

Some of these women were in solitary confinement. Many felt they had nowhere to turn.

Over 500 complaints of sexual abuse or harassment have been filed against LA County jail deputies in the last few years. According to reports, not a single one has been substantiated or led to prosecution. That is unacceptable.

These women deserve to be heard. Their stories deserve to be investigated. And the people responsible — if found guilty — must be held accountable.

We call on the LA County Board of Supervisors, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Department of Justice to immediately:

• Launch an independent investigation into the abuse allegations
• Ensure protection for anyone currently held at the jail
• Enforce policies that prevent opposite-gender officers from supervising women during showers or other private moments

Every woman deserves safety and dignity — no matter where she is.

Sign this petition to demand justice for the survivors and real accountability from those in power.