Integrating the Issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Detention Monitoring
Foreign nationals: Individuals with foreign national status, including migrants or
refugees, may be singled out for abuse. Foreign nationals who do not speak the primary language used in detention facilities are less able to access information and make
complaints about abuse. Such detainees/prisoners are also more vulnerable if they are
far from home and unable to access family members or other support networks.
Survivors of prior sexual abuse: Survivors of domestic violence and prior sexual
abuse are among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse in detention.
Persons with physical and mental health conditions: Persons with disabilities can
be at risk of violence, discrimination and victimization in places of deprivation of liberty if their needs are not properly met, and if authorities do not provide a safe and
enabling environment for them. Persons with cognitive disabilities may not be able to
make complaints, and risk not being taken seriously if they report sexual abuse.
High profile individuals: This includes celebrities, public officials or the family
members of other high-profile individuals, who may be targeted because of their status in society.
Persons involved in prostitution: Persons involved in prostitution are in situations
of particular vulnerability to SGBV and, due to their marginalized status, they may
lack the confidence or support to take action after violations have occurred.
There are other vulnerability factors monitors need to be aware of that are not explicitly linked to an individual’s personal identity. These factors might be personal, environmental or socio-cultural. Monitors should also bear in mind that all vulnerabilities can be multiple or intersecting. Vulnerabilities may include, but are not limited to:
The nature of the offence suspected/committed: Detainees/prisoners suspected,
accused or convicted of particular types of offences, including sex offences, may be at
increased risk of SGBV.
Incarceration history: Not having previous experience of prison culture, being
a first-time offender or being a non-violent offender may place an individual at higher
risk of SGBV.
Time spent in detention: Levels of vulnerability or risk may vary depending on the
amount of time spent in detention. New arrivals may be vulnerable because they are
unfamiliar with prison culture, but vulnerability can also increase over time, and
those serving long-term or life sentences may also be at heightened risk.
Addiction or dependency: This can increase risk, especially if people fall into debt
with other detainees/prisoners. Vulnerability can also increase if people affected are
not provided with appropriate support.
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