Correctional institutions
2.5.10 Infrastructural fixtures and fittings
2.5.10.1 Rooms for visits by children - Vienna-Josefstadt correctional
institution
During a visit to Vienna-Josefstadt correctional institution in August 2016,
the NPM recommended that a family visiting room be set up, especially for
mothers with children. To facilitate the preservation of family bonds during
detention, appropriate space is required in addition to flexible visiting rules.
This should permit a certain freedom of movement and family intimacy and
guarantee a child-friendly atmosphere. Visits should leave positive memories
for children and motivate them to return.
Child-unfriendly
environment
Visits make an important contribution to the preservation of family ties. In
turn, the preservation of family bonds plays an important role in avoiding
recidivism and facilitating social reintegration. A series of factors, such as
inflexible visiting hours and an uninviting atmosphere, can result in a rupture
of family bonds and a loss of contact with children. Therefore, an environment
should be created that meets security requirements but is conducive to good
family contacts.
Atmosphere should
be inviting
In general, the structural condition of Vienna-Josefstadt correctional institution
is out of date. It prevents the implementation of a modern penal system.
The NPM has repeatedly demanded that the Vienna-Josefstadt correctional
institution be renovated as soon as possible.
The Federal Ministry promised a general renovation of the correctional
institution, with the start of construction scheduled for early 2019. It promised
that the renovation would include family visiting rooms and suitable visiting
rooms for mothers with children.
General renovation to
commence in
early 2019
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Suitable visiting rooms must be ensured for visits with children.
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Visits that include children should take place in a friendly atmosphere.
2.5.10.2 Partitioning of the toilet facilities – satellite facility of Innsbruck
correctional institution at Innsbruck Regional Court; Dornbirn
satellite facility of Feldkirch correctional institution
The satellite facility of Innsbruck correctional institution on the basement
floor of the Innsbruck Regional Court consists of eleven (holding) cells and one
specially secured (holding) cell. During the first visit in June 2015, the NPM
voiced criticism of the lack of structural partitioning of the toilet in any of the
inmate cells even though there were multiple persons in these cells. The NPM
also criticised the fact that the sanitary area was visible through the spy hole
Innsbruck Regional
Court
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