Reforms in Dutch women’s prisons to enhance safety

The Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) is taking steps to improve social safety in women’s prisons by discontinuing physical strip searches during security checks and implementing body scans. These changes follow a study by Leiden University, commissioned by DJI, which highlighted structural issues such as inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct, bullying, and discrimination in women’s prisons.

The study revealed that female inmates often feel unsafe and refrain from reporting misconduct due to fear of retaliation. Additionally, there is a lack of open discussion about sexual intimacy, hindering the recognition and address of sexual misconduct.

Researchers recommend a significant cultural shift: training for staff, open dialogues about sensitive topics, and enhanced protection for inmates. DJI plans to adopt these recommendations, acknowledging the need for structural changes in managing women’s prisons.

The investigation was prompted by incidents at the Nieuwersluis prison, where sexually inappropriate behavior by staff was reported in 2023. Measures such as anonymous reporting systems and the appointment of confidants have been implemented there and are being extended to other women’s prisons.

Source: NOS

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