Florida

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Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
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FAMM releases statement following Justice Department investigation into Lowell Correctional Institution

OCALA, FLORIDA — FAMM’s Florida directory of policy Greg Newburn put out the following statement after the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida released the results of the investigation into the Lowell Correctional Institution’s sexual abuse.

“The families of women incarcerated at Lowell have literally been begging for years for someone — anyone — to listen to their allegations of rampant sexual abuse,” Newburn said. “The conditions there are beyond horrifying, and yet for their cries for help were ignored.

“Finally, it appears some accountability might be on the horizon. While we’re grateful for the it, this finding, like many that have come before it around the country, further underscores the need for independent oversight of our nation’s prisons and jails. Anyone who bothered paying attention knew this was happening, and nobody did anything about it. How many women have to be sexually assaulted in prison before our leaders act?”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.