Alfonzia Newsome, a 49-year-old Pennsylvania state correctional officer at State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Cambridge Springs, is facing charges of sexual assault on inmates. Andreozzi + Foote represents one of the victims, and we believe there are many more.
Charges are:
- three counts each of institutional sexual assault
- indecent assault
- forcible compulsion
- harassment
If Newsome has impacted you, please know you are not alone. We know how hard it can be to come forward, and our trauma-informed attorneys are here to help.
The Impact on Victims
Sexual abuse by correctional officers is a serious violation of inmates’ rights and a significant issue within the prison system. When correctional staff exploit their authority to engage in sexual misconduct with inmates, it not only undermines the integrity of the correctional facility but also causes profound emotional and psychological harm to the victims. Despite inmates being in a vulnerable position, federal laws such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) are in place to protect them from sexual abuse. Victims of such violations can pursue justice through civil lawsuits, holding correctional officers accountable and seeking compensation for their suffering. Correctional facilities must enforce strict policies and training to prevent these abuses and safeguard inmate rights.
Can a Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice for the Trauma They May Have Experienced By Alfonzia Newsome?
Legal action can help survivors hold institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable for their actions. Therefore allowing victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured.
Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse and fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. As a result, survivors gain a platform to share their experiences. Thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against the Facility?
Yes. You might have rights if you were an Alfonzia Newsome victim.
Andreozzi + Foote is a leading sexual abuse law firm in the nation. Contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.