If you or a loved one were victimized by Dr. Scott Lee at the California Institution for Women (CIW), you have the right to hold those responsible accountable. Direct2Attorney connects you with experienced, compassionate attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and fees are only collected if your case is successful. Below, we provide essential information about the Dr. Scott Lee sexual abuse lawsuit, its health impacts, and the latest updates to help you understand your legal options.
Dr. Scott Lee, a 70-year-old gynecologist, served as the sole full-time OB-GYN at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino, San Bernardino County, from 2016 to 2023. A class-action lawsuit filed in February 2025 by six women, supported by the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, alleges that Dr. Lee subjected incarcerated women to horrific sexual and physical abuse during gynecological exams. The lawsuit claims Lee performed unnecessary and invasive procedures, made sexualized comments, forcibly restrained patients, and retaliated against those who resisted or reported his misconduct. Specific allegations include aggressive pelvic exams, inappropriate touching, and, in one case, permanent genital disfigurement. The suit also accuses the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and prison officials of ignoring numerous complaints, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. Notably, there is no mention of a church or religious institution directly involved in this case; the allegations center on the CIW and CDCR. This lawsuit represents hundreds, potentially thousands, of survivors seeking justice for systemic failures in the prison healthcare system
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The alleged abuse by Dr. Scott Lee has caused profound physical and psychological harm to survivors. Victims report severe trauma, including:
Physical Injuries: Invasive and forceful exams reportedly caused excessive bleeding, pain, and, in some cases, permanent physical damage, such as genital disfigurement. For example, one plaintiff, Jane Doe #3, endured intense pain and bleeding for months after a coercive procedure, preventing her from seeking further gynecological care.
Psychological Trauma: Survivors have developed conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, exacerbated by the power imbalance in a prison setting where inmates had no choice but to see Lee for care. Many, like Jane Doe #5, report ongoing fear and inability to access medical care post-release due to trauma.
Long-Term Consequences: The lack of alternative medical providers meant victims faced either enduring abuse or forgoing essential care, leading to untreated health issues. The emotional toll, including diminished quality of life and fear of retaliation, has left lasting scars, with some survivors requiring ongoing therapy and mental health support.
Civil lawsuits aim to secure compensation for these damages, covering medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering to help survivors rebuild their lives.
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse involving Dr. Scott Lee, we are here to help you pursue justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact Us
As of June 2025, the class-action lawsuit against Dr. Scott Lee and the CDCR is ongoing in the Central District of California federal court. Key updates include:
Current Status: Dr. Lee no longer has direct in-person contact with patients at CIW, though he reportedly remains employed by the CDCR and on their payroll. His medical license, obtained in 1984, remains valid until 2026, with no public disciplinary action recorded by the Medical Board of California.
Investigation: The U.S. Department of Justice announced in September 2024 an investigation into CIW and another California women’s prison for civil rights violations related to sexual abuse, highlighting systemic issues.
Legal Action: The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial, aiming to hold both Lee and prison officials accountable. Attorneys estimate potential costs to the state could reach hundreds of millions, given the scale of alleged victims. A 1996 medical malpractice judgment against Lee for $194,000 in Orange County suggests a history of professional misconduct.
No Church Involvement: There is no evidence linking a church or religious organization to this case, despite broader discussions of institutional abuse in settings like churches. The focus remains on CIW and CDCR’s negligence.
Direct2Attorney is here to help you navigate this complex case. Our network of trauma-informed attorneys specializes in sexual abuse lawsuits and will fight for your right to justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to explore your options.
Abuse in the Dr. Scott Lee lawsuit includes sexual, physical, and emotional mistreatment of incarcerated women at the California Institution for Women (CIW) from 2016 to 2023. Allegations involve unnecessary and invasive gynecological exams, sexualized comments, forceful procedures causing injury, and retaliation against those who resisted or reported misconduct. The lawsuit also claims the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) failed to protect inmates, enabling the abuse.
If you were incarcerated at CIW between 2016 and 2023 and experienced abuse by Dr. Scott Lee during medical exams, or if CIW or CDCR officials failed to act on known abuse, you may have a case. Consulting with a specialized attorney through Direct2Attorney can help evaluate the strength of your claim and guide you on next steps.
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for physical injuries (e.g., genital damage), emotional distress (e.g., PTSD, anxiety), medical and therapy expenses, and other related damages. An attorney from Direct2Attorney’s network can provide detailed information based on your specific circumstances and help maximize your recovery.
The statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit varies by jurisdiction and case details, such as when the abuse occurred or was discovered. In California, certain exceptions may extend deadlines for prison abuse cases. Contact a Direct2Attorney attorney promptly to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
Your Direct2Attorney lawyer will guide you through the legal process, gather evidence (e.g., medical records, witness statements), and represent you in negotiations or court. They will prioritize your privacy, protect your rights, and work to secure the best outcome, whether through settlement or trial, with no upfront costs as they operate on a contingency fee basis.
While some legal proceedings may require disclosing your identity, measures like using pseudonyms (e.g., Jane Doe) or sealing court records can protect your privacy. Discuss your concerns with your Direct2Attorney attorney to explore options for maintaining confidentiality to the extent possible.
Direct2Attorney connects you with experienced, trauma-informed attorneys who specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against institutions like prisons. Our network offers compassionate, tailored legal support, free consultations, and contingency-based representation, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to pursue justice against Dr. Scott Lee and the CDCR.
