Justice Department, state agree on independent monitor at Edna Mahan women’s prison

The Justice Department and the New Jersey Department of Corrections have reached an agreement to install an independent monitor at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
The facility is New Jersey’s only women’s prison. The agreement was made to protect inmates from sexual abuse. Other reforms were also agreed upon.
The agreement calls for establishing confidential methods for inmates to report sexual abuse, as well as protections against retaliation for reporting abuse. The accord also requires more transparency through public meetings with stakeholders, including one-time prisoners.
Officials said Tuesday that the agreement must still be approved by a federal judge.
Gov. Phil Murphy has previously ordered that the prison be closed following allegations that several corrections officers physically abused inmates.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.