Integrating the Issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Detention Monitoring 9. MONITORING EFFORTS TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO SGBV In addition to looking at risk factors, it is important for monitors to assess the effectiveness of measures in place to prevent and respond to SGBV. This section identifies specific topics that monitors can include in their preparatory research and during facility visits and interviews, including suggested questions to relevant stakeholders for possible inclusion in existing monitoring tools. Additional suggestions focussing on specific at-risk groups are included, where relevant. 9.1 Risk and Needs Assessments Initial, ongoing and individualized risk and needs assessments are crucial tools in identifying signs of vulnerability or aggression in detainees/prisoners. When implemented correctly, effective assessment tools can play a major role in preventing SGBV, by ensuring that individual needs are met and appropriate security measures and sentence plans are in place. Good classification and assessment procedures reduce the risk that vulnerable detainees/prisoners are detained alongside potential perpetrators of SGBV, and can also reduce risks to staff and prison visitors. Unfortunately, many risk and needs assessment tools have been designed to predict the behaviour of men, and do not take into account the gender-specific needs and circumstances of women prisoners. Preparatory research and reviewing existing documentation • Do risk and needs assessment tools include an assessment of detainees’/prisoners’ risk of being sexually abused by others or being sexually abusive towards others, including an assessment of their previous history of abuse or of abusive behaviour? • Are there specific protection measures in place for those identified as being at risk of SGBV? • Are risk assessments carried out at all stages of detention, including police custody and during prisoner transfer? • At what stage do these assessments take place? Are they regularly reviewed and updated, and is the detainee/prisoner involved in the process? 59