No Pride in Prisons Holds 'Call-in to Call Out’ Corrections on Treatment of Transgender Prisoners

Prison activist group, No Pride in Prisons, is holding a ‘Call-in to Call Out’ event today, demanding that a transgender woman who was allegedly raped in Whanganui Men’s Prison be treated with dignity and respect.

“The woman alleges that she was raped by two Corrections Officers shortly after her transfer from another facility. She tried to report the incident to prison staff, who she says chose not to act on the complaint,” No Pride in Prisons spokeswoman Emilie Rākete.

“Two weeks ago, she told us that she was raped by a third Corrections Officer in a gymnasium stairwell. We immediately filed a formal complaint with prison management on her behalf.”

According to No Pride in Prisons, the woman in question has become extremely fearful for her safety. “She has told us how these Officers are still in a position of power over her. She’s vulnerable and scared they could attack her again,” says Rākete.

“Trans women incarcerated in men’s prisons are, from the outset, put at considerable risk of assault and rape. It is supposedly the job of Corrections Officers to prevent this kind of violence, not to enact it.”

No Pride in Prisons is encouraging its members and supporters to call, email, fax and write letters to various representatives of the Department of Corrections. “We intend to inundate Corrections with messages so it cannot ignore this woman’s case.”

“We are asking our supporters to demand three things. First, that a full and thorough investigation into both alleged instances of sexual assault be undertaken by an independent authority.”

“Corrections has proven time and time again that it is not capable of investigating its own failures.”

“Secondly, we demand full documentation of Corrections’ investigation into her most recent complaints against staff at Whanganui Men’s Prison.”

“Corrections is telling the media one thing but stonewalling all requests for information from this woman’s representatives, so we want to see proof of what Corrections has actually done to protect her.”
“Finally, the officers in question must be suspended immediately to prevent any potential backlash against the woman.”

ENDS

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