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Bayview Correctional Facility Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Proudly Standing Up for Former Female Inmates of Bayview

The issue of sexual abuse within correctional facilities is a distressing and pervasive problem that demands immediate attention. Among the many cases of prisoner sexual abuse that have come to light, the Bayview Correctional Facility stands out as a harrowing example of this issue. Women who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of officers and staff members within this facility have sought justice through the legal expertise of Levy Konigsberg, a nationwide leader in sex abuse litigation.

Following the passage of the New York Adult Survivors Act (ASA), we are offering our legal services to women who were sexually abused at Bayview Correctional Facility, a women-only prison in Manhattan, NY. Using the ASA, you can demand justice and compensation for the abuses that you suffered at Bayview, even if the usual statute of limitations for such cases has already expired.

The signed Senate Bill S66A pertains to the time limit within which civil actions can be pursued for specific sexual offenses committed against individuals aged eighteen or older. It reinstates such actions that would have been otherwise prohibited due to the previous statute of limitations and provides prioritized scheduling for these actions during trials. It also mandates the chief administrator of the courts to establish regulations that ensure the prompt resolution of the reactivated actions.

Please let our passionate and highly experienced legal team see if you have a valid claim to file against Bayview, the State of New York, and the New York State Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision. We have already filed many civil complaints seeking financial compensation against these defendants for the inexcusable sex crimes carried out by Bayview staff and officers. You can join other courageous women who have already stepped forward to secure justice and accountability.

We’re here to amplify your voice and fight for you! Call (800) 315-3806 now.

What is the Bayview Correctional Facility?

The Bayview Correctional Facility was a women-only prison located in Manhattan, New York against the Hudson River. Operating for over three decades, the facility housed female inmates who had committed various offenses. However, it was permanently closed due to Superstorm Sandy damage, budget complications, and controversies surrounding widespread and unchecked inmate sex abuse. Although Bayview is defunct, the New York State Department of Correctional Services (NYDOCCS), which was its primary operator, can still be held liable for any wrongdoing and harm that happened to inmates there.

Do you know other women who were sexually abused in a New York prison or jail? If so, we invite you to refer a friend by contacting us or sharing our firm’s contact information with them.
File Deadline November 23, 2023
REFER A FRIEND: HELP SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEW YORK PRISONS

Prisoner Sexual Abuse in New York: An Alarming Reality

Sexual abuse within correctional facilities is a deeply troubling phenomenon that has received increasing attention in recent years. The power dynamics inherent in such environments can create an atmosphere ripe for abuse, as inmates often have limited recourse or voice to challenge their abusers. Women incarcerated in prisons and jails across the United States have reported instances of sexual harassment, assault, and coercion perpetrated by both staff members and fellow inmates.

Sexual Abuse at Bayview Correctional Facility

The full extent of the history of sexual abuse at Bayview Correctional Facility is still being uncovered. However, evidence from published reports and first-hand accounts from hundreds of women have already revealed the shocking truth that sexual abuses committed by male guards against female inmates at Bayview occurred for as long as the prison was in operation, painting a disturbing picture of the horrors endured by female inmates. These incidents involved various forms of abuse, ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault and coerced sexual acts. The perpetrators often included officers and staff members who were entrusted with the safety and well-being of the inmates they were supposed to protect.

A brief history of Bayview Correctional Facility sexual abuses includes:

  • 1985: The Inspector General of the NYDOCCS reports that several guards and a sergeant sexually assaulted and verbally harassed a female inmate, who became pregnant due to the attack. Prison officials knew of the attack and many others like it before, but did nothing to protect the inmates from future assaults.
  • 2004: A lawsuit against New York State results in a $360,000 award for a former Bayview inmate who sued for sexual assaults that occurred throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. The accused guard later pled guilty to 3rd-degree rape while on criminal trial.
  • 2008: A federal survey concludes that 12% of survey respondents at Bayview reported being victimized by sexual misconduct. At the time, this was nearly 6 times higher than the national average for sexual abuse reports at women-only prisons.
  • 2014: A lawsuit filed by a former Bayview inmate who was sexually assaulted multiple times prompts the New York Court of Claims to find the NYDOCCS guilty of negligent supervision. The accused officer pled guilty to multiple counts of rape while on criminal trial.

Sexual Encounters at Bayview are Always Abuse

It is important to know that all sexual encounters between inmates and officers at Bayview Correctional Facility are considered acts of sexual abuse, a criminal violation. New York law makes it impossible for prisoners to provide consent to sexual actions with an official who has authority over them, e.g., inmates and guards, wardens, or correctional officers. This statute prevents any defendant from arguing that the sexual encounters at Bayview were legal due to consent. It also helps lay the foundation for civil action taken against Bayview and the NYDOCCS using the Adults Survivors Act.

Limited Time to File a Bayview Sex Abuse Claims

The New York Adult Survivors Act creates a one-year lookback window for adult survivors of sexual abuse to file civil suits against their attackers, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. This statute is available to anyone who wants to pursue such a claim, but it has primarily benefitted former female inmates who were abused in prisons like Bayview Correctional Facility but had not previously filed a lawsuit. The new lookback window started on November 24, 2022 and ends on November 24, 2023. During this period, individuals who were subjected to sexual abuse and meet specific criteria are granted the opportunity to file civil actions against their abusers, even if the previous statute of limitations had expired. You should speak with Levy Konigsberg as soon as possible.

Criteria for Pursuing Legal Action

According to the provisions of the Adult Survivors Act, individuals seeking recourse must fulfill the subsequent conditions:

  • You were incarcerated at Bayview Correctional Facility.
  • You must have experienced sexual abuse while confined at Bayview Correctional Facility, and were at least 18 years old at the time.
  • The time limit stipulated by the statute of limitations for civil action must have elapsed.

Levy Konigsberg is Ready to Fight for You

In the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual abuse at Bayview Correctional Facility, several important steps have been taken. Survivors have come forward to share their stories, shedding light on the systemic issues that allowed such abuse to occur. Legal actions have been filed against the responsible parties, including officers and staff members who abused their positions of authority. Additionally, advocacy groups and legal experts have collaborated to raise awareness about prisoner sexual abuse and advocate for policy changes to prevent future occurrences.

Our prisoner sex abuse litigation team at Levy Konigsberg has recovered tens of millions of dollars for survivors of sex abuse against government entities, educational institutions, religious organizations, youth groups, and more. We currently represent hundreds of women that were sexually abused in New York prisons and jails. If you were sexually abused at Bayview Correctional Facility, then please know that you can confidently put your case in our hands. We are already leading the fighting for many other women who were subjected to sex abuse at Bayview, as well as in other facilities like Albion, Bedford Hills and Rikers Island. It would be our honor to stand up for you, too.

Dial (800) 315-3806 or contact us online now for a FREE, confidential consultation about Bayview Correctional Facility sex abuse lawsuits. Remember: Time is limited.

Bayview Correctional Facility Sex Abuse FAQ

Get Answers!
  • Q:What years did Bayview Correctional Facility operate?

    A:The Bayview Correction Facility was an all-women state prison located in Manhattan in New York City. In 1974, the ownership of the prison was transferred to the New York State Department of Correctional Services for use for female inmates. The prison closed in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the building.

  • Q:What are the sex abuse cases against Bayview Correctional Facility based on?

    A:The sex abuse cases against Bayview Correction Facility are based on acts of sexual abuse, sexual assault and coerced sexual acts perpetrated against female inmates by correctional officers, prison guards and other persons in positions of authority. It was illegal for any correctional officer or staff to engage in any sexual activity with inmates who cannot legally consent to any sexual activity during their incarceration. The systematic and egregious sexual abuse at Bayview was documented in a federal survey that determined the facility had the highest percentage of incidents of sex abuse by staff in the country. Independent investigations—such as one conducted by City Limits Magazine—also uncovered stories and evidence of repeated and severe female inmate abuse at Bayview. There have been prior lawsuits filed by individual inmates at Bayview based on the negligent oversight of the staff and the failure to protect inmates even after sexual abuse was reported and known by supervisors and management.

  • Q:How many women were abused at Bayview Correctional Facility?

    A:Based on the high rates of sexual abuse at Bayview Correctional Facility, there are likely many hundreds or thousands of women who were victimized over the many decades that the prison was operating. The prison staff at Bayview misused their authority and engaged in sexual acts with female inmates that was either forced, coerced or improperly used their position of power to victimize these women.

  • Q:Why is important for Bayview Correctional Facility survivors to come forward now?

    A:Female inmates who were sexually abused at Bayview Correctional Facility should come forward now while the NY Adult Survivors Act still allows lawsuits to be filed against Bayview. This window closes on November 24, 2023. For this limited time, women sexually abused at Bayview can file a legal claim no matter how long ago the sexual abuse occurred. The abusers and the Department of Corrections can only be fully accountable if as many survivors as possible come forward, and this starts with reaching out to our firm for a private and confidential free consultation.

  • Q:How can the Adult Survivors Act help women who were sexually abused at Bayview Correctional Facility?

    A:The NY Adult Survivors Act is the reason why lawsuits can be filed against Bayview Correctional Facility at all. The facility closed in 2012, well beyond the typical statute of limitations for claims brought against the government. The Adult Survivors Act, though, made a one-year lookback window from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023. This is a one-time opportunity for women sexually abused at Bayview to seek justice. After this one year time period, the legal claims will be barred forever.

  • Q:How do I file a case based on sexual abuse at the Bayview Correctional Facility?

    A:The simplest way to file a Bayview Correctional Facility sex abuse case is to contact Levy Konigsberg right now. You can submit a website form, do a live chat or call us and your call with be answered 24/7. We are currently the lawyers for many women who were sexually abused at Bayview and we are seeking justice and fully money compensation for them. We can help determine if you qualify for compensation, and we will be caring and sensitive in strongly advocating for your legal rights. We offer confidential and private consultations that are free, so you can learn about your legal options without paying anything. We represent sexual abuse victims on a contingent fee basis, so you will not pay any legal fee unless we win your case.

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Were You Sexually Abused?

YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO SUBSTANTIAL COMPENSATION

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