The Pride Law Firm has made it our sole mission to fight for those who have experienced sexual assault and abuse, and we are proud to share a monumental victory for survivors everywhere.

Our team has secured a historic $116 million settlement for 103 survivors of systematic sexual abuse at the now-closed Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Dublin, California.

This settlement, the largest of its kind in U.S. history, is a turning point for survivors of sexual abuse in prisons and a powerful reminder that even the most entrenched abuses can be exposed and stopped.

The tragic reality is that sexual abuse can happen anywhere, even in institutions such as prisons. While this settlement is a significant victory for survivors of sexual assault, the fight for justice continues. 

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, The Pride Law Firm is here to listen, support, and stand beside you, just as we’ve done for the resilient women of FCI Dublin. Contact our team online or call (619) 516-8166 to learn how we can support you.

Reversing the Tide of Injustice: Groundbreaking Settlement Shakes the Foundation of Institutional Abuse

The settlement marks a landmark moment in U.S. legal history. For decades, many people believed that the survivors of sexual abuse in prison were voiceless and powerless. 

But the courage of these 103 women, who were subjected to horrific abuse by prison staff, including a prison chaplain and the warden, has shattered that misconception.

Jessica Pride, the lead attorney in this case, was one of the first to stand with these survivors. She and her team fought relentlessly to bring their stories into the light, forcing our society to confront the pervasive and real issue of sexual abuse in our prison systems. 

“This historic settlement sends a powerful message: systematic abuse of prisoners will not be tolerated. What happened at Dublin was not just a failure of oversight - it was a cultural rot, where sexual abuse became entrenched as part of the prison’s operations. This settlement represents justice for 103 brave women who refused to remain silent and fought to ensure their voices were heard.” 

- Attorney Jessica Pride‍

About the Atrocities at FCI Dublin

The abuse that occurred at FCI Dublin, often referred to as the “Rape Club,” was not an isolated incident. It was a pattern of abuse that was allowed to flourish because of a culture of exploitation and neglect. 

Correctional officers, many of whom had significant power over the women, used their authority to sexually exploit helpless inmates, often threatening them with retaliation or denying them basic needs to ensure silence.

Many of the women at FCI Dublin had already experienced previous trauma, including domestic violence and child molestation, before being incarcerated, and the guards took advantage of these vulnerable histories. 

The abuse became so widespread that it led to the closure of the prison and the indictment of several staff members, including the warden. But despite the severity of the situation, it was the bravery of the survivors that ultimately led to this moment of justice.

It’s crucial to understand that any sexual contact between a correctional officer and an incarcerated individual is illegal. The inherent power imbalance in such relationships means that consent cannot be freely given, and it is a violation of their Eighth Amendment rights.

Regardless of why someone is incarcerated, sexual abuse is never part of the sentencing or punishment. It is a cruel abuse of power, and perpetrators need to be held responsible. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a prison or other institution, The Pride Law Firm will fight on your behalf just as they have done for the survivors of FCI Dublin. Reach out to our team online or call (619) 516-8166 today.

A Victory for Survivors, a Step Toward Prison Reform

The $116 million settlement is the largest ever awarded by the U.S. government to a group of sexual assault survivors and represents the highest amount any individual prisoner has ever received in such cases.

The settlement will be distributed among the 103 women based on individual assessments of their experiences, ensuring that each survivor receives compensation that reflects the trauma they endured.

However, this settlement represents more than just financial restitution for Jessica and the team at The Pride Law Firm. It is a step toward healing and a message to other survivors that they, too, deserve justice.

While this settlement marks a huge win for survivors, Jessica Pride noted that this is just the beginning: 

“This case is just the tip of the iceberg. The closure of FCI Dublin underscores the extent of its corruption and highlights the pervasive problems in our prison system, where unchecked power and a lack of oversight create opportunities for horrific abuse. The courage of these survivors will set the stage for future accountability and much-needed reforms.”

Beyond the Settlement: The Pride Law Firm Continues the Fight for Survivors Everywhere 

The bravery of these survivors, combined with the tireless work of The Pride Law Firm, has proven that no institution is too powerful to be held accountable for its actions.

The Pride Law Firm has been a trailblazer in trauma-informed litigation for over 20 years, always putting survivors first. Jessica and her team fight not just for individual clients, but for the larger movement of reforming systems that have historically failed to protect our most vulnerable.

We’re not just legal advocates either; we’re allies, supporters, and champions for survivors of sexual abuse. This landmark settlement is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that every survivor has a right to justice, no matter their circumstances.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or trauma, we are here to help. The Pride Law Firm will continue to uphold the dignity and rights of survivors inside and outside prison walls. Contact us online or call (619) 516-8166 today to share your story. 

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