Integrating the Issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Detention Monitoring Preparatory research and reviewing existing documentation • What are the existing complaints mechanisms? Are there written guidelines in place detailing how a detainee can complain and the steps to be taken when a complaint of SGBV is received? • What are the timelines for response/investigation, and what measures are to be taken to protect the safety and maintain confidentiality of the victim and any witnesses? • Does the detention facility prominently display information about the rights and responsibilities of detainees/prisoners? • Can detainees/prisoners access independent external complaints mechanisms (including the monitoring mechanism itself), as well as internal ones? • Does the complaints system allow for anonymous, confidential complaints, and are victims/witnesses required to give their consent for any follow-up action to be taken? • Is there any time limit on how long after the abuse an incident can be reported? What mechanisms are in place for individuals to file complaints after they have been released from detention? • Is there gender diversity among those dealing with complaints? Have those persons received any training in how to deal with complaints of SGBV specifically, and have they been vetted in any way to ensure they have the appropriate skills and background to handle complaints of SGBV? • Are there any written policies or guidelines related to complaints mechanisms, and do they include information on protecting complainants or witnesses against reprisals? • Do authorities in any way encourage the reporting of SGBV, and do they do anything to reassure victims that they will be supported and protected if they lodge a complaint of abuse if such programmes are available? • Do complaints mechanisms accept complaints from witnesses and third parties, such as family members, lawyers, monitoring mechanisms or CSO representatives? • Are complaints usually recorded in the prisoner file, and are statistics and details of complaints also recorded for monitoring purposes? • Have there been any previous complaints of SGBV that led to investigations and follow-up action? If so, were there any demonstrable positive outcomes, including changes in policy and practice? • What are the usual disciplinary measures in case of instances of SGBV, and are these sanctions usually enforced in practice? • Are there any written procedures of how staff can make complaints of SGBV? 71