The government's green paper is a series of modifications to our criminal justice system devised from the top down, but it's the 'minor' issues that hold the key, says Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson The Guardian,
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Why not give victims of sexual abuse a dressing gown when they are strip searched in secure units? Photograph: Altrendo Images/Getty
I recently sat in on a group of teenagers who were discussing their life in secure units. Strip searching is a common practice on admission to many institutions, and I heard about the strong feelings that this can provoke. All spoke of the intimidation, loss of dignity and embarrassment that strip searching causes but – not surprisingly – it is worst for young people who have previously been the victims of rape or sexual abuse. They said they found strip searching, especially where two or more officers were involved, a horrific and terrifying reminder of their experiences.
One such young woman made a reasonable suggestion. How about allowing them to take their clothes off behind screens? And what about giving them dressing gowns?
To read full article, click here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/mar/16/breaking-the-cycle-minor-issues-strip-searches?CMP=twt_gu
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