Notable successes Just Detention International

1 notable successes

1.1 farmer v. brennan, 1994
1.2 aclu v. reno, 1997
1.3 prison rape elimination act, 2003
1.4 inmate peer education
1.5 transforming public attitudes
1.6 nationwide resource guide
1.7 paths recovery
1.8 sexual assault response teams (sarts)
1.9 survivor council

notable successes
farmer v. brennan, 1994

jdi submitted amicus brief groundbreaking supreme court case on prisoner rape, farmer v. brennan in farmer v. brennan, first time, court recognized prisoner rape can amount cruel , unusual punishment, in violation of eighth amendment of u.s. constitution.

aclu v. reno, 1997

after launching website, jdi litigated protect content. in april 1996, donaldson testified on jdi’s behalf in case aclu v. reno, challenged constitutionality of communications decency act (cda). act, sought create standards “decency” content posted on internet, opposed jdi because have restricted access explicit accounts of rape posted on organization’s website. supreme court declared cda unconstitutional in june 1997.

prison rape elimination act, 2003

jdi helped draft , instrumental in securing passage of prison rape elimination act of 2003 (prea), nation’s first federal civil law addressing sexual violence in detention. jdi worked closely members of congress on both sides of aisle, broad coalition of non-governmental organizations , survivors of sexual abuse behind bars, secure unanimous passage of prea. since time, jdi has played key role in prea’s implementation @ federal, state, , local levels.

inmate peer education

in 2010, jdi launched nation’s first-ever inmate peer education program focused on preventing prisoner rape, @ large men’s prison in california, california correctional institution. in 2011, organization launched second prea peer education program in california women’s prison, california institution women. these peer education programs have resulted in decrease in sexual harassment staff , other inmates, , in notable positive shift in staff attitudes toward reports of sexual abuse.

transforming public attitudes

public attitudes support contempt inmates constitute key barrier ending sexual abuse in detention. pop-culture representations of prisoner rape joke or inevitable fact of prison life ingrained in american public consciousness. jdi works transform such attitudes conducting extensive media outreach , public education, highlighting real stories of survivors of sexual abuse behind bars. through first-hand survivor accounts, jdi exposes devastating impact of prisoner rape on survivors’ lives , on preventability of such abuse through strong corrections leadership , sensible policies. jdi’s media advocacy has resulted in number of high-profile articles , editorials. in particular, in 2009-2011, jdi published series of articles in new york review of books, written jdi’s executive director, lovisa stannow, , board chair, david kaiser.

nationwide resource guide

jdi receives hundreds of letters prisoner rape survivors each year, , provides personal response each one. survivors contact jdi desperate help. in response needs, jdi developed resource guide survivors of sexual abuse behind bars. resource guide unique state-by-state guide community-based rape crisis centers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, , transgender (lgbt) service providers, legal help, , other resources survivors , loved ones.

paths recovery

many incarcerated survivors avoid reporting sexual assault due legitimate fears face retaliation, ridicule, or further abuse if speak out. however, in order access correctional medical , mental health services, prisoners must first report abuse staff. no way seek confidential services, survivors suffer in silence. in response, jdi developed paths recovery, program brings community rape crisis counselors prisons provide confidential counseling incarcerated survivors. paths recovery program has been implemented @ 2 california prisons , expanding other prisons around country.

sexual assault response teams (sarts)

sexual assault response teams (sarts), multi-disciplinary teams made of rape crisis counselors, forensic examiners, law enforcement officials, , prosecutors, have long been recognized best practice responding sexual assault survivors in community. when survivors able talk rape crisis counselor undergo forensic exams , law enforcement interviews, more participate in prosecutions , need heal. jdi works corrections agencies bring sart model prison context, providing incarcerated survivors of sexual abuse same quality of care available in community.

survivor council

prisoner rape survivors have played leading role in jdi’s work, including serving on organization’s board of directors. in 2008, jdi expanded role of survivors creating survivor council, advisory board made of , formerly incarcerated survivors of sexual abuse in detention. survivor council members provide input on jdi’s programs , policy advocacy, engage in media work, , provide testimony before congressional leaders , other policymakers.