Incarcerated Women Speak Out Following Mass Use-of-Force Incident and Prior Abuse Allegations at Central California Women’s Facility
Dozens of incarcerated women were injured in a mass use-of-force incident in August 2024 at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. This event, coupled with prior allegations of sexual assault by staff, has led women to advocate for justice…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 29, 2026 —
In August 2024, a significant use-of-force incident at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla resulted in injuries to dozens of incarcerated women. The facility, a major correctional institution for women, has become the focal point for advocacy efforts following this event and in light of previous allegations of sexual assault by staff.
The incident in August involved a mass use-of-force, the specifics of which, including the precise number of women injured and the exact circumstances leading to the event, have not been detailed. Reports indicate that a substantial number of individuals sustained injuries during the confrontation.
This recent occurrence has amplified existing concerns among the incarcerated population regarding their safety and treatment. Prior allegations of sexual assault by prison staff have also surfaced, contributing to a climate where women housed at CCWF are now speaking out. Their advocacy centers on seeking justice and bringing attention to alleged abuses within the correctional system at the facility.
The Central California Women’s Facility is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The specific nature of the use-of-force actions and the details surrounding the alleged sexual assaults are subjects of ongoing concern for advocates and the women affected. Calls for accountability and improved conditions are being voiced by those impacted by these events. The full extent of the injuries and the outcomes of any subsequent investigations into the use-of-force incident or prior allegations have not been publicly disclosed.
Story summarized from the original created by Keith Mizuguchi on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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