Many survivors who are incarcerated choose not to seek help after experiencing sexual assault/abuse or intimate partner violence for many reasons. They may not want people to know about it, they may be worried about getting in trouble, or they may be worried about repercussions from the person causing the harm.

Lumina Alliance is here to support you, regardless of incarceration status. Incarcerated survivors can access our services via phone or by mail, at no cost to you. If you are currently being harmed, there are steps you can take to report the abuse if that’s what you want.

Sexual assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence are traumatic experiences. Feelings of self-blame, shame, anger, fear, guilt, or grief are all common and can be made worse by isolation.

You may find you’re unable to concentrate or focus because you “can’t stop” thinking about what happened. You may also experience flashbacks that make you feel nervous, angry, or afraid. All these feelings are perfectly normal reactions.

If you have experienced sexual assault or harassment while incarcerated there are avenues to provide help. In 2012, the Department of Justice released standards called the Prison Rape Elimination Act. As part of these PREA standards, each detention facility in San Luis Obispo County has assigned a PREA officer. Lumina Alliance advocates can help you – you are not alone.