The National Network acknowledges the recent announcement by Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) regarding the introduction of new body scanning technology at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre. While this initiative represents a step towards less invasive searches, we remain deeply concerned that QCS has not committed to ceasing strip searches altogether.
‘Sisters Inside has argued for more than three decades that strip searches amount to sexual assault by the state. Strip searching by state authorities is a violation of women’s and girls’ rights, causing significant emotional trauma and potential for abuse of power,’ said Debbie Kilroy, CEO of Sisters Inside and National Network member. ‘Mandatory strip searches are highly (re)traumatising, particularly for women who are survivors of sexual assault,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘The introduction of body scanners is one step towards reducing the physical invasiveness of searches. However, without a complete cessation of strip searches, the systemic issues and potential for abuse remain unaddressed,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘The fundamental issue remains: strip searches are inherently dehumanising and often unjustified. This practice must be entirely abolished,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘The justifications given by carceral authorities for strip searching—such as preventing contraband, especially drugs, from entering the prison and protecting women from harm—do not hold up to scrutiny,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘The 2023 Queensland Review into strip searching collected data from various sources, which calculated the contraband detection rate from strip searching to be 0.01% or even lower. To continue strip searching women when we know they are not only not effective and they are causing women significant harms, is nothing more than wilful carceral violence and this is why as a National Network we are calling for drastic changes, not minor reforms that we know the state favours,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Women prisoners are subjected to strip searches before and after visits with family, children, friends, or even their support workers and lawyers. This can lead to women refusing visits from their children due to the distress and trauma caused by the searches, effectively hindering the maintenance of relationships and their access to legal, healthcare services, and other support services,’ said MJ Whalen. The introduction of a body scanner might reduce the trauma, but the psychological impact of a body scan remains significant. It is still a form of surveillance, a violation of privacy. For women who have been traumatised, any perceived invasion of their body or personal space, can trigger a strong emotional response,’ said MJ Whalen.
The National Network stands alongside Sisters Inside for the QCS to commit to the complete elimination of strip searches to ensure the dignity and human rights of incarcerated women are upheld.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780
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