Improved safety needed in women’s prisons
A report by Leiden researchers Esther van Ginneken and Yara Abbing claims that boundary violations and discrimination are a structural problem in women's prisons. They call for far-reaching culture change and provide recommendations to achieve this.
The research conducted by Leiden University was prompted by reports of sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape of women prisoners by staff at the women's prison in Nieuwersluis in 2022. As a result of the situation, the Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen (DJI), the organisation responsible for prisons in the Netherlands, asked the researchers to investigate three correctional facilities for incarcerated women in the Netherlands: PI Nieuwersluis, PI Ter Peel and PI Zwolle.
Women prisoners dare not report abuse for fear of reprisals.
The researchers Esther van Ginneken and Yara Abbing visited the women’s prisons and also held 145 interviews with incarcerated women, formerly incarcerated women as well as staff. The study considered not only sexual abuse, but also safety in a broader context.
Remaining silent due to power relationships
The research shows that non-ethical conduct, such as sexually transgressive behaviour, bullying and discrimination, is a structural problem in women's prisons. Incarcerated women sometimes feel unsafe and dare not report abuse for fear of reprisals. They also experience a high level of dependence on staff. Prison staff control their day-to-day needs and also their schedule each day.
Read the research report (in Dutch) published by Leiden University 'Afstand, nabijheid en sociale veiligheid. Een onderzoek in penitentiaire inrichtingen voor vrouwen' (Distance, closeness and safety. A study of women's prisons).
Weak culture of confrontation
Another issue is that prison staff do not always confront their colleagues when they display inappropriate behaviour. They fear exclusion if they do so or are inhibited because of personal relationships. Friendships and even romantic relationships often exist between prison staff. Because of such bonds, some staff members are positive about their job and enjoy going to work. Others, however, may feel unsafe at work as a result.
Staff struggle with their position of power and finding the right balance between keeping their distance and being approachable.
In this regard, staff struggle with their position of power and finding the right balance between keeping their distance and being approachable. They are also cautious for fear of being accused of inappropriate behaviour, as this could affect their reputation, home situation and job.
Discrimination
In addition, both staff and women prisoners report harassment and inappropriate behaviour based on ethnicity, sexual orientation or the offence committed. Some feel excluded, discriminated against or experience group pressure.
People convicted of sex offences and women of colour often face discrimination and exclusion.
Similar social processes play out among women prisoners. Some offer each other support; others are excluded and experience social and sometimes physical threats. In particular, people convicted of sex offences and women of colour often face discrimination and exclusion.
Need for culture change
The researchers stress that safety in social situations for some, often goes hand in hand with unsafety for others. A culture change is therefore needed to make prisons safer for everyone. This can be achieved by paying more attention to power, sexuality and discrimination, among other things. It is also important for the DJI to investigate more broadly whether these problems exist at other prisons, including those with incarcerated men.
Recommendations
The researchers emphasise that prison should be a safe place for everyone. Their recommendations are clear: more training for staff, more conversations about topics that may be perceived as uncomfortable, and better protection for incarcerated people. Concrete proposals from the researchers include the use of body scans so that women do not have to undress for security checks and installing phones in cells.