Just Detention International, Inc.

JDI has been a great organization to work with. They have always been there to assist with training or to answer questions regarding the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Through our partnership with JDI we have really been able to move forward in addressing the PREA standards.

Just Detention International gave me a way to tell my story and talk about my rapes. Even though the rapes occurred while I was incarcerated, JDI never treated me like less of a person. Talking about my rapes has been very healing for me, and without JDI, I would not have had that opportunity.

JDI is a great organization that fights for some of the most powerless people in society. Their dedication to their mission is inspirational. Anyone who really cares about criminal justice reform should support their work. I'm proud to be a donor.

I support JDI because its work to end sexual violence behind bars is deeply important to me. I want to make our prisons safer, and I want to end sexual violence. JDI is the one-of-a kind organization with a mission that encompasses both of these aims -- and, most importantly, that gets results.

I have been fortunate to help JDI as a volunteer for the Words of Hope campaign, which allows people to send holiday messages to incarcerated survivors of rape. That such a simple act can make such a profound difference to people is a powerful lesson. I was also fortunate enough to spend a bit of time with survivors at the card-writing event, and to hear first-hand how JDI had a positive impact on their lives

As a native Angeleno, it makes me proud that JDI calls LA home!

I became familiar with JDI's work through a good friend of mine. Their dedication to helping such an underserved population is admirable.

Every year, I look forward to participating in their annual card writing campaign that reaches hundreds of survivors during the holidays. Being able to extend such a simple gesture to those who have such a deep appreciation for my well wishes means so much, and is only possible because of JDI's commitment to these survivors.

Bravo to JDI for all of their great work!

I once served time and saw lots of sexual abuse. The COs (guards) forced women to have sex with them and it was awful. Sometimes women got something in return, but it was still abuse because the COs controlled everything! Sometimes women went along with it because they were scared the COs would write them up. One woman refused but she got raped anyway. The rest of the world pretends this stuff isn't happening, but it is. Youre not supposed to be abused in prison. The only organization that is fighting against rape in prison is JDI. I wish everyone would support them.

I moved to LA in July. At the end of August I heard about JDI and thought that it would be a great place to volunteer at – and it is! JDI fights against abuse of prisoners and it does this extraordinarily well. Everyone at JDI is passionate about helping others. JDI raises awareness of prisoner rape and works with prisons to stop the abuse. They also gather first-hand accounts from prisoners themselves. After spending time with organizations that don’t really function to full capacity, I can tell you that JDI is the exception. The people at JDI not only care about stopping prisoner abuse, they know how to make a real difference. I am very proud to be associated with this organization.

JDI is a phenomenal organisation. Indeed, I have never encountered a more intrepid and undaunted human rights agency anywhere in the world. JDI believes that prisoners have rights, and that everyone – yes, everyone – should demand that those rights are upheld. But the JDI team doesn’t just talk. They spend a lot of time inside jails, working with prisoners and guards to make jails safe. They don't take no for an answer. That’s part of their magic. They seem to think everything is possible, including ending rape in prison. And they are right, of course. There really are no limits to what we can accomplish if we just commit to it, fearlessly and intelligently. We all have a lot to learn from JDI.

I am 11 years old and I have been volunteering with JDI since I was 5 years old. Every year my parents and I write holiday cards to prisoners. JDI rocks! :)

Having worked with and founded several non-profits, I feel confident that JDI ranks among the best of them. They have a clear mission (ending sexual assault in prison) and have streamlined strategies and commitments to seeing that goal to fruition. They are a rare non-profit that keeps entirely focused on their goal, though it's tempting to spread their work further. They are also unique in being a willing team playing -- they fully understand that they can deepen their work through collaborating with others.

Collaborating with JDI on video production has been an all- around positive experience. Everyone that I have had the pleasure of working with has been thoroughly collaborative, and always open to problem- solving. I look forward to working with everyone at JDI in the future, and have enjoyed helping them do their meaningful work.

I have felt privileged to support Just Detention's video production needs as a filmmaker. I have worked with multiple people at this organization, all of whom were professional, concise, thoughtful, and kind. Just Detention is a great organization because it is facilitated by great people. It's the best kind of working relationship because their passion is contagious.

Just Detention International is an evidence-based advocacy group advancing a truly simple proposition: no one should be raped, inmate or civilian. They do terrific work both within facilities and on a policy level, and they recognize that a fundamental cultural shift by the public is required to end prison rape.

If the goal of non-profit organizations is to RAISE AWARENESS of issues the mainline media would prefer to ignore, and be an EFFECTIVE HELP for people who those in mainstream society don't want to know, above all to help our community act out LOVE, NOT FEAR AND HATE - if that is what non-profits are there to do, then Just Detention International is the finest organization I know of. I am a professional criminologist with a particular interest in prisons, sexual assault and mental health, and I am full of admiration for the work JDI does.

I was introduced to J.D.I. through a friend of mine who works for J.D.I.

When I shared my story with the J.D.I. staff, I really came to know they cared about me, simply by their attentiveness, compassion and the way they cared about my feelings and emotions.

Continuing to work with J.D.I., has allowed me to process and work through my pain, to stay on this path of life, as I move along on my journey of healing.

I am thankful and grateful for J.D.I. being there for me.

JDI is an extraordinarily effective and impressive organization. It shows the rest of us what human rights advocacy is supposed to look like, and what it can achieve. When they say that everyone has equal value, they mean it. By drawing attention to the plight of inmates, they are changing the way this country runs its prisons, making it clear that inmates are people too -- and that rape isn't part of the penalty. This is an organization I will continue to support until sexual abuse in detention is finally a problem of the past. Keep at it, JDI!

JDI has a wonderful team of people that are committed to helping corrections, all forms of confinement facilities, do the right thing. I am an ex prisoner, not a survivor, however totally believe in what JDI stands for. I know that with their determination rape will one day not be part of the penalty.

JDI fulfills its mission with unsurpassed integrity, dedication, and professionalism. Having worked closely with senior staff in the past I can attest to their commitment to the highest quality of standards. This is one non-profit that I can support without reservation. Kudos to JDI!

They are wonderful. They give hope to those who are often overlooked. To feel trapped is a horrible feeling, and to be trapped within a trap is a nightmare. I give to this charity because this is what they look to fix, they give relief to those who's voices go unheard.

JDI is remarkable in the deep care they put into their work. It's all very human - a great deal of listening and being fully engaged in heart and mind. I'm proud to donate to them and participate in campaigns. I hope to see them grow and I hope to see an end to abuse in prisons.

I met JDI colleagues during meetings Amnesty International UN Office in NY organized on torture prevention and I have been impressed by its work ever since. JDI does a very courageous and important work on an outrage that often people do not want to even recognize it exists. Its work with survivors of rape and other sexual abuse in detention is moving and effective. JDI is an organization that deserves all the support people could provide.

JDI has been instrumental in my work as an advocate! I appreciate everything JDI does for professionals in the field but especially for survivors. Thank you JDI!

JDI is an incredible organization! I volunteer each year with them during the holidays, writing cards to inmates. The thank you notes that we get from them are filled with so much hope and gratitude. It really shows how invaluable the work they do is.

I am proud to support JDI. JDI focuses its efforts on a problem that only exists because we let it happen. JDI has had a key role in creating the standards that would eliminate sexual abuse in all areas of detention if adopted. And it works to ensure that everyone knows that adopting those standards is the only sane choice in a civilized society. JDI also provides critical resources for survivors who consistently let JDI know how important their work is on inmates' behalf. I'm lucky to have the chance to work with them!

I have contributed to this organization shortly after learning about it in the late 1980s. JDI merits that sort of ongoing support - it addresses an important topic and has been a great catalyst for education and change at the local, state, and federal levels. Their vision is broad yet never loses sight of the individual.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working with JDI in the Miami-Dade Correction Facilities for almost a year. I have never worked for a more passionate or dedicated organization. JDI advocates tirelessly for incarcerated victims of sexual violence and helps give them a voice. Too often, individuals who are incarcerated are seen as less deserving because of crimes they have committed and are not treated with the respect that we all deserve as human beings. JDI helps make a huge difference by providing services to a very underserved population and we need more organizations like them. I am proud to be a part of this organization and serve in a small capacity to help meet the needs of these individuals.

This is one of the most impressive non-profit organizations in the U.S. I am a longtime executive director of other similar non-profits and I have long admired the brilliant way that JDI is managed as well as the passion and commitment of it's very effective staff. Even though I am often busy, their appeals have convinced me to volunteer on several occasions over the years.

Their website and social media are especially impressive. They handle a very "tabu" subject with the dignity and strong attention that it deserves. Big Kudos for all around excellence.

Wow .. Where do I start . I have worked in this field for over 17 years . A year ago I joined JDI and I provide therapy to inmates in Miami, FL jails . I work with inmates who are victims / survivors of sexual abuse / trauma history at some point in there lives. JDI counseling program is outstanding and needed. Most of the inmates over 81% have experience severe sexual abuse / trauma which has impacted there lives in some way . There sexual abuse history probably has a lot to do with the choices and decisions that lead them to be incarcerated. . The inmates are engaged , cooperative and committed to there therapeutic process. 90% of the clients I see on a weekly basis never received any form of counseling/ therapy to address there trauma . Most people see the inmates as criminals, please don't get me wrong I am not minimizing or dismisses there crimes . After hearing there life stories years of abuse, I see them as survivors who have experienced years of abuse , trauma and neglect . The services offered by JDI gives so many women and men opportunities to address there hurt and pain. So when they are released they might have a better chance in life . They can continue there treatment and seek mental health services. I pray and hope agencies and organizations will be able to continue the services they provide that are so needed. The inmates are thankful and appreciative they have a chance to deal with past trauma. With JDI services and other non profit agencies services in our communities so many people receive help Let's continue to support and discuss the importance of non profit agencies/ organizations . I see everyday how the services offered make a difference in SO many people lives ...

Prison rape is something that has deeply disturbed me for a long time, ever since I watched the films And Justice for All and Brubaker in college.  I felt sick for days afterwards. The fact that prison rape is so casually accepted worldwide, yet so devastating to its victims, ate away at my peace of mind for years. I couldn’t understand why a crime that can land you in prison stopped being a crime when carried out in prison. I wanted to do something about this terrible injustice, but didn’t know what to do. So the pain just festered inside me. Until one day, researching prison rape, to include tangentially in one of my story lines, I found Just Detention International. I had several reactions. I was amazed and awed, feeling that God had heard my prayers. I felt great relief knowing that there are others, in fact an entire organisation, who believe that prison rape should not be an internationally accepted part of prison life and are fighting to protect vulnerable prisoners. And I felt stupid for not knowing about JDI earlier.

I am so grateful that Just Detention International exists and that it is making progress in helping prisoners live behind bars with dignity and respect and without the cruel and brutal punishment of rape. I am honoured to be able to support JDI.

I donate to this group because I agonize sbout the plight of the powerless.

I was raped in prison by two different staff members methodically over a year period of time. I was suicidal and hopeless. Through my work as a volunteer with JDI and sitting on their Survivor Council, I found the courage to heal and found my voice in advocacy. I testified before a Joint Senate Committee in a successful effort to change California law, worked on the crafting and implementation of PREA (the Prison Rape Elimination Act), became a PREA peer educator in the first pilot implementation program before the guidelines became mandatory and was honored to be a speaker in a training webinar to share PREA practices with corrections officials. I got to see firsthand how important JDI's work is and how it can and does change lives. They certainly deserve recognition for their tireless efforts.

I was introduced to JDI through the writing of Hamilton Nolan on Gawker.com, Hamilton supports prisoner rights and I was intrigued by JDI's simple request for positive and healing thoughts for their clients for a holiday card project.
Upon visiting JDI's web page and reading the incredible relief they brought to their clients I knew that I needed to do more to help this organization.
I am a sexual abuse survivor, unlike JDI's clients I had the luxury of freedom and the comfort of my family and the resources to heal. The act of writing healing notes to the clients of JDI was incredible. It is easy to discount people in prison as some anonymous "bad guy", but what does that attitude serve?? There is no justice done when people are harmed in prison by rape and sexual assault, it harms us all as a people and a society to allow such acts to go on and to not help the victims, no matter what crime led them to be in prison.
I would encourage anyone who is cynical about what JDI's impact is to read just one or two of the client testimonials, I know that involving myself with JDI, even in a very small way was one of the most rewarding things I did all last year.

I work for our state coalition of sexual and domestic violence programs and recently began working with the Department of Corrections to implement the PREA standards. JDI has been an invaluable resource for my work, providing in depth advice, support and technical assistance. They've provided a road map for our work locally and generously shared model policy and best practice. I don't know where we'd be without the help of JDI in doing this important work. They've shared so much of their own experience and hard work that and this has made our work here so much better than it would be if we were traveling without a road map. Thank you!

JDI is a powerful, thoughtful, and effective organization. It provides leadership and expertise in policy research and advocacy, and its survivor outreach literally saves lives. It is growing internationally and its ambition could not be more noble -- to put an end to sexual abuse in detention.

I have worked closely with JDI for the past couple of years and have found their staff to be exceptional professionals who care deeply about ending rape in confinement settings. They are passionate about their work and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them.

The best thing I can say about Just Detention International is they saved the lives of a lot of women at the California institution for Women when they came in to implement the Prison Rape Elimination Act pilot program in 2010. JDI rescued us from many years of sexual abuse. They gave us a voice and the information we needed to protect ourselves. They made prison a lot safer for inmates, at least against sexual violence. I am a survivor of sexual abuse in prison and JDI gave me strength to fight. JDI helps in letting the United States know that the punishment of incarceration does not include sexual abuse.

I've been involved with Just Detention International for a few years now. The work they do is absolutely essential and life-saving, and something which I feel very fortunate to be involved with. The level of commitment and dedication they display to the cause of eliminating the sexual abuse of prisoners is exceptional and I have sustained my involvement with this organization due to their mission as well as the success of their program in helping and healing others. I can't say enough good things about this organization, please look into the amazing work they have done and continue to do.

I found out about Just Detention International when I was researching resources for serving incarcerated survivors of sexual assault. Touched by their compassionate and empowering model, where the voices of survivors of sexual violence in the prison system are at the forefront, I became a regular donor. As a crisis service volunteer myself, I have benefited from JDI's informative webinars on relevant topics. JDI's impact and dedication are clear, and the issue they work on is so important.

I joined the Just Detention board over 3 1/2 years ago, and have continually marvelled at how this organization punches so far above its weight, working effectively both nationally and, now, internationally, to stop the sexual abuse of people who are incarcerated or otherwise detained. Domestically, this is an organization that had a critical role in getting the Prison Rape Elimination Act enacted (including by building a diverse coaltion across party lines), and ensuring that the PREA standards are meaningful ones, which are implemented effectively. From policy work, to consulting directly to penal institutions on the front lines, to advocating on behalf of victims of sexual abuse, JDI has been incredibly effective (particularly given its relatively small size), in reducing the risk that people who are in detention suffer life-changing abuse. I am particularly excited about the impact that JDI will have internationally in the years to come. I am proud to serve on JDI's board and hope that others will take the time to learn more about JDI's human rights mission and record of success.

I have been a Board Member for JDI for about 2 years. Prior to that, I worked with them when they came into the prison I was Warden over and helped us develop a protocol to respond to victims of sexual assault. They assisted us in developing the procedures, and then helped with teaching the prison staff the appropriate protocols. They also provided training and information to the inmate population so they would understand what their rights were and what to expect.
The assistance JDI provided the Institution made the environment better for the inmates, but also made the environment better for the staff. They felt much better prepared to deal with these types of situations when they arose.
As a Board Member, I continue to see how effective JDI is in changing lives. Whether it be their advocacy work for those still incarcerated, or making sure that as many inmates as possible get a message of hope during the holidays through their Christmas Card Campaign, they truly are an organization that believes in their mission.

Just Detention International has got to be my favorite human rights group hands down. First: I (as a donor) am made to feel that I am directly responsible for changing one or more individuals lives through even the smallest donation I may make. In JDI newsletters I read about how my contributions help real people, real JDI clients whose lives have been turned around, whose faith and esteem have been restored through sheer force of having been helped, having had someone like JDI help them pick up the pieces and move forward. That is, I'm not just reading about some law that was passed, or how JDI was involved, but I am learning about how clients benefited in very tangible ways. Second: I never feel pressured to contribute some predetermined or standard amount as with many other human rights groups, but whatever I can. And while I don't expect to be thanked each time I do make a contribution, the smallest donation I have made has always been reciprocated with fondest thanks from the program's chief director, Ms.Stannow, not someone just pushing paper at a desk. JDI cares about the people they work for because I have seen the positive change in their clients' lives. JDI, you're awesome.

I think this is a worthwhile charity (5 star rating) for anyone concerned with the treatment of prisoners. No prisoner should have to deal with sexual abuse because he/she is in prison. It is our countrie's shame that we lock up more people than any other country in the world! No prisoner should not have to submit to rape as well as imprisonment.

I came across JDI through the articles written by their Chair and Executive Director for the New York Review of Books. These were engaging, well researched pieces that combined detailed statistical analysis with heart felt testimony from prison rape survivors. As a supporter of prison charities, here in the UK, and someone concerned about sexual assault in custody, I contacted JDI to find out what they knew about the landscape outside of the US. Here they totally exceeded my expectations. We've been communicating and working ever since on discovering ways that work in different countries can impact on one another, exploring best practice and building coalitions - not merely between similar NGOs but across LGBT, religious, health and human rights organisations. What most impresses me, and is evidenced by the comments here, is the compassion with which JDI's staff deal with survivors of prison rape who are otherwise ignored, never heard or not believed. JDI gives a voice to the voiceless. That in itself is worthy of support but the publication of the PREA standards also showed how effective JDI is at getting government to listen to those voices and act.

JDI is one of the few organizations that works tirelessly to help stop the scourge of prison rape. They are a generous and compassionate group of people who know and care about the people they are working to save.

In more than two decades of work as a human rights advocate and scholar I have never encountered an organization that can match JDI in sheer courage, intelligence, creativity, and effectiveness. Virtually the only organization confronting this country’s shameful – and preventable – epidemic of sexual violence in detention, JDI is unique in that it works to develop complex legislation and stimulate real policy change at the federal, state and local levels, while at the same time assisting and empowering individual survivors of sexual violence who have nobody else to turn to. In the face of public apathy and official intransigence, it has already brought about real change in the lives of one of this country’s most neglected communities. I have no doubt that it will continue its remarkable and critically important work until the scourge of prisoner rape is finally ended.

I am a mental health counseling student interested in counseling inmates. I am also related to an individual who was repeatedly molested and raped in prison by a "guard." My relative has been permanently scarred by it, and, we, as her family also hurt. Not surprisingly, the offender had molested numerous others only nobody cared enough to remove this individual from the correctional system. My relative was released many years ago. Were she in prison today, I feel certain JDI would do all it could to bring the guard-offender to justice. Because it's important for me to get involved in preventing prison rape, I can't be silent, even all these years later. The opportunity to make a small gift from time to time lets me feel I'm making a difference in the lives of people who like my relative, were serving a sentence, not bargaining on being raped. In my view, I have as much a responsibility in preventing prison rape as I would have in preventing rape on "the outside." JDI's newsletters have helped me to cope with the pain I have for my relative, and for those countless others who who suffer the crippling trauma of rape because, on its own, our penal system lacks what it takes to bring prison rape to an end. JDI keeps me engaged by allowing me to take part in actions toward ending prison rape, and informs me about the lives of inmates who have been impacted by their hard work. I hope others will see the importance of JDI's role in ending prison rape, and will support their cause in justice. Prison rape need not be a fact of prison life.

I do not now recall when I became fully aware of the rampant sexual abuse and human rights violations that are occurring daily in the jails, prisons, and detention centers of the United States. Perhaps it was when I became a father and realized, to my horror, that my son or daughter could make a mistake and could become a victim of such injustice. Through the efforts of JDI, I found a collective voice that demanded an end to the mistreatment of those behind bars and offered hope to the survivors of sexual abuse. I vowed to support JDI's campaign and to speak out against offensive references to prison rape in the media and in public and private forums. And I will continue to support JDI until this shameful perversion of justice comes to an end.

I am a forensic psychiatrist, and one area of my expert testimony in court is sexual abuse of prisoners. A big problem for those who would end sexual abuse in prison is that its occurrence, though widespread, is generally secret, unknown to the public. Sexual abuse often goes unreported because the victim fears retaliation and is overwhelmed by shame. Until recently, the perpetrator, for example prison guards who rape and sexually abuse women prisoners, did not need to fear being exposed and punished. Just Detention International has worked relentlessly to reverse that shameful reality. The nonprofit has shined a public light on the dreadful sexual abuse that occurs on a daily basis in our jails, prisons and immigration lock-ups. JDI has led the movement, that by now includes other human rights groups, to support the survivors of sexual abuse behind bars and to change correctional practices that make sexual abuse possible. JDI has encouraged survivors to tell their stories, to participate in litigation to halt prison sexual abuse, and to campaign for legislation to protect prisoners from sexual abuse. JDI led the campaign to pass federal legislation, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and then to demand that Attorney General Holder approve the Prison Rape Elimination Commission's standards for "zero tolerance" jail and prison management. When I testify in related litigation, I see the effects of JDI's work in the way survivors of prison sexual abuse transcend the shame and courageously stand up (against the omnipresent threat of retaliation) and say it was wrong and should not be permitted to happen again to others. The social justice work of JDI makes my work as a forensic psychiatrist possible - they give survivors the courage and support to stand up and speak out. JDI has had a huge impact on the way we understand sexual abuse behind bars, the amount of attention we give the problem, and the ways we work together to end this horrible injustice.

I support Just Detention International because they are doing what no group I know of does: monitor conditions in prisons and advocate for prisoners. We have this awful "secret" in our country that rape and abuse is widespread in prison. JDI is helping to change that, and it is inspiring prisoners and citizens all over the world with its work. Keep trucking JDI.

Of all the social justice nonprofits I donate to, JDI is the one I receive the greatest gratifcation for doing so. It addresses a need not all of us wish to contemplate--that rape is not part of the punishment--it is very effective in doing so, and it's uncorruptible. These good people really work hard and honestly, and are thoroughly transparent. Their Executive Director, Lovisa Stannow, must be among the most committed individuals in the entire social justice spectrum. I truly wish JDI would win the Nobel Prize. They certainly deserve it, and they deserve our donations and if possible our time.

As a policy advocate for transgender people, I have been incredibly impressed with JDI's commitment to include LGBT people, people with intersex conditions, and other vulnerable populations in everything that they do. I have also been impressed with their fusion of deep policy expertise with supporting and lifting up the voices and stories of survivors. Their work has provided connection and support to thousands of individuals and made an enormous difference in policy efforts to prevent abuse in confinement. They make critical contributions to every coalition effort of which they are a part.

My husband and I are proud monthly donors to Just Detention International for so many reasons. Fighting for the rights of imprisoned women and men is cruical & often misunderstood work. JDI gives these victims a voice and the power to help affect real change. I have been profoundly moved by their tireless efforts to help others understand the devastating effects of prisoner assault. They empower the victims of this type of violence not only survive but to thrive. I could not be more proud of the work that JDI does every day on behalf of victims and their families. We are honored to donate to JDI.

This is a great organization that serves a group of people that are often ignored, marginalized, and discarded in our society. There is an apocryphal quote by Dostoyevsky that says, "The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons." If that is true, America is in terrible shape, but with the work of JDI, that is hopefully starting to change, bit by bit. By working to make prisons more humane, they ultimately working to make our society more humane.

My wife is a survivor of prisoner rape. Even though we had been married for almost 20 years at the time she was raped, because of her fears of retaliation and punishment, she didn't dare say anything. Jan served 18 months in Michigan during which time she was repeatedly raped. Not once, not twice, but several times a week for over 6 months. But she was too afraid to say anything. Not even to me - no one. When it finally became known, she testified at a criminal trial and her rapist was convicted and he was sent to prison. One day Jan was doing an internet search on prisoner rape, to see if she could find anything to help her, and she located an organization called Stop Prisoner Rape (now called Just Detention International). She called them and after talking to them, she received a packet of information. It contained so much info - where she could go for counseling, different types of support, etc. And there was a note included. I was totally amazed that there was anything like JDI out there. I know I was even more shocked that JDI took phone calls from someone they didn't know and would talk to her and try to help. Whether she was looking for an answer to something, could she find something, etc. She was on the road to recovery, stronger than ever, and it was because she was drawing on the strength she received from JDI. JDI has used our story (due to the fact that we have been married for so long, we are kind of unusual), we share our story, and worked at helping get PREA signed and doing whatever we could to spread the word about prisoner rape. JDI has given us both the platform to do this. Jan has become a very strong advocate for prisoner rape, and I am proud of her; but I truly believe that she would not be as strong an advocate if it were not for JDI. Everyone at JDI are completely wonderful, understanding, caring and loving people; and I thank them everyday for the fine work they do.

I was abused while in prison and these people were very helpful in trying to expose the predator after I was released. I was surprised at how dedicated and genuinely helpful and professional the people at Just Detention were and how good they made me feel about not blaming myself for what happened. They even followed up and wrote to the warden and tried to get those responsible to be held accountable for what they did. They made me realize that I wasn't the only one who this type of thing happened to and it wasn't part of my punishment. I applaud their work and wish I could do more to help THEM now that I am free.

Not only is jDI a fierce advocate for abused prisoners and a considerable force in stopping the atrocities of sexual abuse in prison, JDI staff and directors are compassionate and genuine when dealing with survivors of abuse (something I've seen in person). It is rare to find such a combination of traits and skills in one small organization. They are doing outstanding and essential work.

I've been involved with a lot of different charitable organizations doing different kinds of work, but I've never found one where my dollar or my hour goes farther than it does with JDI. On a lean budget, with a dedicated, smart, strategic staff, JDI is making a huge difference fighting one of the biggest human rights problems in the U.S. Over 216,600 people are sexually abused in American detention facilities every year, and JDI is forcing the government to do something about it. I think it's reasonable to hope that number may be cut in half in the coming years, or even more--and if it is, it'll be mostly because of JDI's work. It's an extraordinary accomplishment, fighting a problem most organizations won't touch, and one that most people have thought intractable. And it's all the more extraordinary when you consider how much JDI has done with such a small budget, in just a few years.

I was forced by a police officer to perform sexual acts with another inmate. I was illegaly detained without a cause and also no drugs were found on me nor was I doing anything illegal. Nobody wanted to proceed to charge this officer of the law with any charges. Untill the Philadelphia inquire found out about my story and dug deep into L&I and found all kinds of errors that were made and even found a witness to come forward to tell what this
police officer did to me. Well it made the front page news and they could not sweep it under the rug no more! The police officer was then prosicuted and then fired for his actions. He appealed it and lost. I fought for years and it payed off! I was then contacted by just detention and they helped me through the hurdles by supporting me and showing me that I should be proud of who I am and I met others who were abused by the justice center. I am so grateful for all the wonderful things Just Detention and Stop Prisoner Rape has done for me and all the others! They are the voice that we need and love. Without them I wouldn't be the strong woman I became. Thank you for helping me obtain my confidence back and showing me the way.

Hey Christine,

Really glad to hear from you. It has been quit a while since we communicated. Of coarse I will add to the accolades. first I would like to say a personal thank you to you and your team. So THANK YOU !



I was raped. due to an ongoing civil matter I am unable to give allot of details. but what I can say is this;

My name is Michael Joseph Booth.

I was housed in a particular CA. prison.

I am an openly gay man.

I was raped.

The emotional and spiritual defeat that I experienced afterwards was to much for me. I had a complete mental brake down. As I slowly started to regain an idea of reality I made contact with Christine at J.D.I. She held my hand thru the mail. At some point she put me in contact with a S.A.R.T. representative. I am now a very strong willed physically powerful man. It is my opinion that this complete rebuild of the person that is Michael Booth would not have happened if were not for Christine's belief in me. The emotional and spiritual support that I was given, gave me strength. Even now almost two years later J.D.I. and I are still in contact.

For those of you that read this that may be in the shoes that wore two years ago. Know this, Christine and Derek and the rest of J.D.I. will believe you when no one else will, and that is the most powerful support that people like me need.

There were many other things that they helped me with such as very good advice. some other little thing as well. The truth is that all would have came in its own time. The belief in me only came by way of a very few, and the first was Christine.

THANK YOU

CHRISTINE

DEREK

J.D.I.



SIGNED


MICHAEL JOSEPH BOOTH

The value of the PREA program to the prison population is more than obvious. What needs to be acknowledged is how fantastic, positive, professional, and dedicated Ms. Linda McFarlane and Ms. Christine Kregg were during our work. The made the process of bringing the program to CIW uncomplicated and a pleasure. They were knowlegable about the subject matter. Both were available to answer any questions. They were also helpful throughout the program development process. Ms. McFarlane and Ms. Kregg defintely would get credit for success of the PREA program at CIW.

JDI is an non-profit organization who's work in the area of sexual violence in prisons is invaluable. Oregon Department of Corrections has been blessed with the opportunity to work with Lovisa Stannow and Linda McFarlane . The knowledge shared with our staff and the inmate population helped us develop a Prison Rape Elimination Act PREA policy. We hope to work with JDI for many years to come as ODOC implements the PREA Standards.

JDI has been a great organization to work with. They have always been there to assist with training or to answer questions regarding the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Through our partnership with JDI Oregon has really been able to move forward in addressing the proposed standards.

JDI is on the national forefront in raising awareness and bringing about an end to the sexual assault of individuals who are incarcerated. Their tireless work around the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) legislation and standards, as well as their efforts in public education and awareness, are unmatched in this country. TD3 Consulting has been privileged to partner with Linda McFarlane and other JDI staff and volunteers, along with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), on a variety of projects. We know that when we work with JDI - we are making a difference.

Fantastic support and real legislative results! My life has been transformed and revived by the work this agency has assisted me to accomplish. i was violated and raped by 'correction officer' in the DC jail in 1997. A group of us survivors and Just Detention International have accomplished so much to support incarcerated persons. They support inmates and persons released by letting us know we are not alone. We are connected by similar tragedies in our lives and by the ongoing summits they organize to promote the protection of people who happen to be behind bars. Just Detention International helps us all to remember that rape is Never part of the penalty for committing a crime.

Just Detention International is a group that is, quite simply, changing the world. Through policy reform, advocacy, and direct work with survivors of prisoner rape, this human rights organization has helped bring about the most significant prison reform in the United States in more than 30 years.

JDI has also begun to expand its work to parts of the world where HIV in prisons looms as a major threat to community health. This expansion will build on the group's reputation for hard-hitting advocacy and its expertise about what really works to keep people safe.

Notably, this group's impressive record of accomplishment has been undertaken with a lean budget and small but tenacious staff. I can't think of an organization more worthy of support!

Through my training with JDI I have acquired skills and valuable knowledge that assists me with my work and treatment of my clients. This knowledge I can pass onto different levels within my organization: social workers, top management and general staff.

The service JDI has rendered is particularly important in the orientation of new clients, better equipping them to protect themselves and makes their stay in the facility more bearable.

JDI was the first organization to reach out to me when I was sexually abused and raped in prison, since 2005- 2011. JDI has been there for me emotionally and once I was released they were there for me physically. A great non profit that puts people and rights first.

Women's Center-High Desert, Inc. has been involved with Just Detention International since 2005. We work closely together to provide confidential rape ciisis counseling to incarcerated victims of sexual assault. Our pilot site is at Californa Correctional Institution-Tehachapi. We have presented our program at the National Sexual Assault Conference in Los Angeles as well as the California Probation, Parole, and Corrections conference in San Francisco. Due to Just Detention International's continued work on the PREA standards, we were invited to attend a listenting session hosted by the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. We value our working relationship with Just Detention International and truly believe that we are helping to target a population that has been overlooked and ignored for too long.

While incarcerated, I sustained repeated sexual assaults via forced prostitution at the hands of prison gang members for over one year. I sought assistance from over twenty prisoner-rights groups throughout the country. None of them responded to me. I then saw an advertisement for JDI and wrote a letter, believing in my heart it was a wasted postage stamp. I was on the brink of suicide when a response from JDI was delivered. The response was quick and provided me with valuable resources, a healing guide, and more importantly, sincere words of encouragement. They were the only organization to offer a hand of hope when honestly I had no one. During my ordeal, for well over a year after initial contact, JDI stayed in touch with me. Even after my release, they were there for me to ensure that I found a therapist to work with in the city where I was living. The staff is sincere in its dedication to eliminate sexual abuse in detention facilities of all types, all over the world. They may never know that I had already planned my suicide, gathered the necessary tools, and made arrangements to hang myself. JDI's letter showed up only 3 days prior to the date I had selected to end my life and it gave me the hope necessary to rebuild my desire to live.