Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer

When people think about police abuse, they often think of officer-involved shootings and excessive force—but the fact is that sexual assault is another issue affecting those who are imprisoned or detained. It’s often very difficult for sexual assault victims to get justice when their abusers are police officers, prison guards, or others within the criminal justice system. That’s why we advocate so aggressively for victims.

At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we focus our skills, energy, and expertise on helping those who are mistreated by the criminal justice system. For decades, attorney Dale K. Galipo has taken on all sorts of cases involving police misconduct. His track record is so strong that the industry widely regards him as one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys. We understand the physical and mental devastation caused by sexual assault in custody, and we are dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable.

The Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo is located in the city of Woodland Hills, CA. Call us at (818) 347-3333 to discuss your case now.

Recent Review:
“Attorney Dale Galipo is one of THE BEST attorneys in the business!!!” – E. M.

Experienced & Respected Civil Rights Law Firm

With over 30 years of experience, the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo has become one of California’s most trusted firms for civil rights cases involving police misconduct and excessive force. By 2004, Attorney Dale Galipo had already secured multiple seven-figure jury verdicts, and in 2011 he won ten civil rights trials in a single year. Our attorneys focus exclusively on cases of police abuse and officer-involved shootings, working tirelessly to secure justice and substantial compensation for victims and their families.

Recognized by peers and clients alike, our legal team has earned top ratings on Google, Avvo, and prestigious honors such as inclusion in Super Lawyers. At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we blend unmatched courtroom experience with unwavering dedication to protecting civil rights, earning trust throughout the legal community.

Have you experienced Sexual Assault in a Detention Center?

While no one wants to be detained or incarcerated, people should at least know that they are safe while they are in detention. Police officers and prison guards have an inherent level of power over detainees and prisoners, and there are those who will abuse that power for their own sexual gratification.

In California, sexual battery requires that several different elements be proven. This is one of the benefits of hiring a sexual assault law firm, we understand the burden of proof, and we know how to demonstrate what you’ve gone through. The elements include:

• Defendant deliberately touched one of the victim’s intimate parts while restraining them, either above or below clothing
• Defendant deliberately touched the victim non-consensually
• Defendant touched the victim for their own sexual arousal or gratification

Although prison sexual assault lawyers know that this crime can happen to anyone regardless of age, health status, or gender, there are certain groups that tend to be targeted more often. At-risk groups include those who have mental health issues, have engaged in prostitution, have minimal experience in the criminal justice system, who are addicted to drugs, and who are at risk of deportation. These groups are particularly vulnerable because they have more to lose, are used to being exploited, or do not know their rights or how to protect themselves in an incarceration setting.

There are numerous laws that target this growing problem, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003. The goal of this and other laws is to prevent budget cuts from compromising inmates’ safety. However, sexual assault of all types is illegal—the illegality of it is not enough to stop police officers and prison guards from taking advantage of the people in their custody. There are a number of factors that must be addressed if we are ever to see positive changes in this area.

What Makes Sexual Assault in Prison Different From Other Sexual Assault Cases?

There are numerous issues that make it incredibly difficult for victims to protect themselves, report their abuse, or ever seek the services of a sexual assault attorney. Sexual assault is one of the most common forms of police brutality. Relevant factors include:

• Lack of consent: It does not matter if a prisoner seems to consent to sexual contact with a guard or police officer. Because of the power imbalance between them, a detainee cannot consent. The power imbalance automatically gives them reason to comply regardless of what they want, making true consent impossible.
• Minimal oversight: There is not nearly as much oversight of correctional facilities as there should be. There are numerous private areas within police stations and correctional facilities. Guards know which areas are not recorded or surveilled, and they use this knowledge to their benefit.
• Fear of repercussions: Victims often fear repercussions from their assailants if they speak up. They may worry about losing access to food, water, free time, or outside time. Prisoners already have very little they can look forward to, and the power of a guard to take that away is overwhelming. Yes, a sexual assault lawyer may help them after they get out—but in the meantime, they lose access to the things they need to stay alive.
• Inability to escape: Prisoners have no way of getting away from their assailants. At some point, their assailant will once again be assigned to their area, and they know that it’s just a matter of time at that point.
• Preexisting agreements within facilities: There may be agreements between guards and other prisoners to allow sexual contact in exchange for favors. A prisoner who tries to protect themselves from sexual assault may disrupt those agreements and be targeted by other prisoners.
• Shame and a fear of not being believed: Sexual assault already has a great deal of shame associated with it; this is heightened in a prison setting, where victims often think that no one will believe them. Given the societal bias against prisoners, this fear is often rooted in truth.

Protecting Your Legal and Civil Rights If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted in Prison

Those who are victims of sexual assault in custody may have claims against multiple parties once they speak up and seek assistance. Of course, they can hold the actual physical perpetrators of the crime accountable. However, they may also have a claim against the facility itself and the government entity that oversees it. This is a known problem, and any facility or entity that does not take steps to prevent abuse is complicit in any abuse that occurs.

Reach Out to the Los Angeles Sexual Assault Attorney from Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo Now

Our team of prison sexual assault lawyers is here to help you seek closure and justice for everything you’ve suffered while detained. Let’s talk about your options. Contact us online or call us at 818-347-3333.