ACTION ALERT - Governor Newsom; Sign SB 1069 & Protect Survivors

The epidemic of staff sexual violence within California prisons, including recent reports of sexual assault from dozens of incarcerated survivors, shows that CDCR's (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) misconduct investigation process deters reporting and enables more sexual violence. The process is internal to CDCR and lacks any meaningful oversight. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) can monitor and review complaints, but it does not have the authority to investigate or intervene.

A new process for sexual misconduct investigations is necessary. Senate Bill 1069 authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D20), will ensure that when survivors report staff sexual misconduct, there is oversight by an agency independent of CDCR. In Senator Menjivar’s words, “Incarcerated survivors of sexual misconduct deserve an unbiased and impartial review of their case. SB 1069 will ensure that victims who report will be taken seriously and that their cases will be investigated by an independent entity when necessary.

Despite the legislature passing SB 1069 with ZERO NO VOTES, the bill is headed to a veto from Governor Gavin Newson without hearing support from California voters. We're hoping to get as many individuals and organizations as possible to sign onto a support letter, as well as individual calls, emails and social media posts as we can in the next couple weeks at the very least, and in the next 24 hours if possible.

Here are some action steps you can take to see this righteous bill signed into law:

A. Call Governor Newsom's office:

1. Call the Governor’s office at (916) 445-2841 during regular office hours
2. Select 1 for English, 2 for Spanish
3. Select 6 to speak to a representative
4. Give your statement, urging the Governor to sign SB 1069
5. Feel free to use the sample script below.
6. If you’re not using the sample script, make sure you state that you’re a California resident.

Hello. My name is [NAME]. I live in [CITY], California. I am reaching out because I strongly support SB 1069 authored by Senator Menjivar, Protecting Victims of Sexual Misconduct. SB 1069 will ensure that when victims in prison report staff sexual misconduct, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), an agency independent of CDCR, may investigate those reports. This bill will support survivors who have experienced sexual assault, and prevent further sexual violence by increasing accountability in the reporting process. I respectfully request Governor Newsom sign this urgent bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

B. Submit a SB 1069 support letter:

***For Individuals wanting to support SB 1069:

1. Submit your letter on the Governor’s website:
2. Under “Topic”, select “An Active Bill” 
3. Under “Bill”, scroll down to select “SB 1069: State Prisons: Office of the Inspector General” (about 80% of the way down)
4. Select “Leave a Comment” and click “Next”
5. Select “Pro” at the top of the page
6. Draft your message
7. Under Message Subject, type “Requesting Governor’s Signature on SB 1069”
8. Use the template letter below, add your name and information to the bottom, and personalize it in the middle to express your support for SB 1069.
9. Click “Next” when you’re done.
10. Enter your contact information and click “Submit”
11. [Optional] You can also send a copy of your message via email to leg.unit@gov.ca.gov. 

***For Organizations wanting to support SB 1069:

1. Check out our joint organization support letter here.
2. If your organization would like to sign on, please fill out this form with your organization information and logo.

C. Share your support for SB 1069 on your social media channels:

***Instagram/Facebook example (you can use the graphic included in this post)

The epidemic of staff sexual violence within California prisons demonstrates that CDCR’s misconduct investigation process deters reporting and enables more sexual violence. The process is completely internal and lacks any meaningful oversight. A new process for sexual misconduct investigations is necessary. SB 1069 (Menjivar) will ensure that when victims in prison report sexual misconduct, a state department independent of CDCR can investigate when necessary. Call Governor Newsom today to #SupportSB1069 bit.ly/SB1069toolkit 

Make sure to tag Senator Menjivar (@senmenjivar) and the following offices:

Governor Gavin Newsom (@cagovernor and @gavinnewsom)

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom)

***Twitter example (you can use the graphic included in this post)

BREAKING: @TheJusticeDept is investigating CA for staff sexual misconduct in CA women’s prisons. This is why we need @SenatorMenjivar’s #SB1069. @CAgovernor do the right thing: #SupportSB1069. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-civil-rights-investigation-correctional-staff-sexual-abuse-two 

Make sure to tag Senator Menjivar (@senmenjivar) and the following offices:

Governor Gavin Newsom (@cagovernor and @gavinnewsom)

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom)

Many more templates, sample social media posts, downloadable graphics, and additional information and resources on CDCR sexual violence are available with the SB 1069 toolkit (opens in Google Docs)

On behalf of SB 1069 co-sponsors Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, California Coalition for Women Prisoners, and VALOR US, we thank our supporters for their advocacy and willingness to take the time and devote their energy to legislation to ensure a fair and right criminal justice system to serve and improve our communities.