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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Seton Saco on Sexual Violence in Prisons
0:21:13
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175 sec
Seton Saco, a former inmate at Rikers Island, provided testimony about his experience of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching by a staff member during his incarceration about 8 years ago. He emphasized the lasting trauma and the need for systemic changes to protect incarcerated individuals from abuse.
- Saco highlighted the violation of trust and safety by those meant to protect inmates
- He called for stricter accountability measures, thorough training, and support for reporting incidents
- The testimony underscored the long-term mental and emotional impacts of such experiences on survivors
Seton Saco
0:21:13
Hello?
0:21:14
Okay.
0:21:17
Good morning, members of the city council.
0:21:21
My name is Suthan Sako, and I am here today to discuss the important issue of sexual violence and prisons.
0:21:29
I was incarcerated at Rutgers about 8 years ago.
0:21:33
My time at Rutgers was eye opening and extremely difficult.
0:21:38
It forced me to confront the harsh realities of the justice system that most people don't see.
0:21:46
During my time at Rykers, I experienced sexual harassment and was touched inappropriately by a staff member.
0:21:53
It was an incredibly traumatic violation, especially because it happened in a place where I was supposed to be safe.
0:22:01
At least from the people that work there.
0:22:04
This experience has had a lasting impact on me both emotionally and mentally and highlighted for me the importance of accountability within the justice system.
0:22:14
The experience left me feeling powerless, knowing that someone who was supposed to protect and oversee my safety violated that trust.
0:22:25
It took a heavy emotional toll, making it difficult to feel secure in an environment where I was already vulnerable.
0:22:33
This incident underscored how important it is for staff to be held accountable for their action no one should ever have to feel unsafe in a placement to ensure basic human rights regardless of their circumstances.
0:22:48
When authority figures violate this, it signals a deep failure within the system.
0:22:54
Experiencing abuse from a staff member showed me the urgent need for systematic changes to protect those in custody.
0:23:02
Ensuring through oh, sorry.
0:23:04
Excuse me.
0:23:05
Ensuring thorough training accountability and support for for reporting these incidents is essential.
0:23:13
No one should go through what I went through.
0:23:16
The trauma from this experience is something I carry with me affecting my men's health and my trust and others.
0:23:24
It has been challenging to process and even more difficult to heal, but I'm determined to speak out so others don't have to experience the same.
0:23:33
I'm sharing this because I want to be a part of the conversation around protecting vulnerable people in places like Rutgers.
0:23:40
By speaking up, I hope to bring attention to stricter accountability measures so that no one has to suffer in silence.
0:23:48
Despite the fear and helplessness I felt, I refused to let this experience define me.
0:23:55
I'm working to reclaim my sense of safety and strength, and I'm determined to stand up not just from myself, but also for others who might be enduring similar situations.
0:24:06
Thank you for this opportunity to share.