PWG - Sexual abuse by staff, inappropriate relationships and other boundary violations in women’s prisons

• In Event: PWG - Women in prison: Characteristics, experiences, and relationships

Abstract

In recent years, multiple cases of sexual abuse and inappropriate relationships in women’s prisons in the Netherlands received public attention. In 2024, two prison officers were convicted for rape and sexual abuse of incarcerated women. These cases were the impetus for research on safety in women’s prisons, of which results are discussed in this presentation. The study comprised observations, informal conversations, and 145 interviews with (formerly) incarcerated women and staff in three women’s prisons in the Netherlands. Participants described a range of boundary violations, including violations of a physical or sexual nature, and violations of a social or emotional nature. Additionally, they raised dilemmas and challenges in relation to distance and closeness in staff-prisoner relationships. Following the cases of sexual misconduct, many staff members increased their distance in order to avoid accusations of inappropriate relationships or boundary violations. Incarcerated women and staff reported that this often had aversive effects; a certain level of closeness is needed to foster a safe, supportive and rehabilitative climate in prisons. The impact was experienced differently by staff members who were men compared to women. The presentation addresses the difference between boundary violations and boundary crossing, cross-gender interactions, and the flow of power. The presentation will finish with a discussion of the implications and recommendations for practice, including the steps that have been taken by the Dutch Prison Service to prevent abuse and boundary violations by staff.

Authors

• Esther van Ginneken, Leiden University

• Yara Abbing, Leiden University