Hundreds of former prisoners denounce sexual abuse in prison

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Nearly 20 years later, 49-year-old Mia Wheeler is finally getting her day in court. Wheeler is among at least 900 former inmates who have claimed to have been sexually assaulted in New York state prisons.

Before I went to jail, I always assumed jail was for rehabilitation, said Mia Wheeler, one of the women suing the state. But it’s hard to make a positive turnaround when you’re a victim of sexual abuse. It plays on your mind, it distracts your attention from everything.

Wheeler alleges that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a prison guard at Bedford Hills Correctional Center in Westchester County and wanted to report him but feared retaliation.

She is now suing the state for $20 million in damages for the pain and suffering and expenses she suffered as a result of the alleged abuse. The State of New York requires a monetary amount for civil lawsuits claiming damages.

The lawsuit was filed under the Adult Survivors Act, a law passed in May that allows alleged victims to file new civil lawsuits within one year without legal limitation.

In a statement to ABC News, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said, in part, that DOCCS has zero tolerance for sexual abuse, sexual harassment and unauthorized relationships. The Department thoroughly investigates all reports of sexual victimization, including unauthorized relationships, and retaliation against anyone who reports incidents or cooperates with such investigations. Individuals who violate Department rules are disciplined by the Department and when there is evidence that a crime has been committed, DOCCS refers such cases to criminal prosecution to the fullest extent permitted by law. “The Department does not comment on potential or pending litigation.

US federal law and nearly all states criminalize any sexual relationship between staff and inmates.

Wheeler told ABC News’ “Nightline” that telling the truth now is a step towards healing for her. And when the painful memories become too much to bear, Wheeler says she leaves the house on her roller skates.

Mia Wheeler roller skates through the streets of New York.

ABC News

I have often been asked, why do you roller skate? Why are you still on those skates? ” did she say. And I tell people, “Because you never see a roller skater cry. “You never see an unhappy roller skater, so I skate because it’s my therapy and it’s my happiness,” she says.

When she was just 11, a tragedy set Wheelers’ otherwise idyllic childhood on an unfortunate path, turning her towards self-medication and drugs when her 15-year-old brother suddenly died.

It destroyed my family’s life, she told ABC News. It was hard financially. I made bad decisions. I made bad choices. And as a woman, I knew I had to pay them. But in this, I don’t feel like we should be abused, used or degraded.

Later convicted on drug charges, Wheeler says she befriended a Bedford correctional officer who then raped her, telling her she would reap the repercussions if she ever spoke to anyone. one of multiple assaults. Wheelers’ lawsuit claims no refusal stopped the guard from repeatedly forcing her to have sex.

After years of silence, Wheeler broke down during a phone call with attorney Brooke Slater of Slater Slater Schulman LLP, talking about what she experienced for the very first time. Now the company known for winning lawsuits against the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America is teaming up with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to bring justice to hundreds of marginalized women.

There are thousands of incarcerated women who have suffered in silence for decades, Crump said. And so we’re trying to say, Come on. You will be heard. You can speak your truth. Your voice will not be silenced.

Wheeler says she and other plaintiffs have come together in a brotherhood forged by trauma and pain, but are moving forward with strength, victory and unity.

Mia Wheeler speaks with ABC News.

ABC News

I take comfort in the fact that I present my truth. And that’s enough protection for me,” Wheeler said. “I have a team around me who believe and support me and the other women who made us feel comfortable enough to put our truths in light.

Wheeler said sharing her story was just the first step in seeking justice.

I would like to see a reform. I need to see reform. I don’t want another woman to have to suffer and suffer in silence because it really affects your life, she said.

This is for all women who have suffered in silence. We no longer suffer. We have a voice. We count.

ABC News’ Patricia Guerra contributed to this report.

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