The Department of Corrections have responded to demands that they publicly apologise for their part in the prison rape of a transwoman. Auckland South Corrections Facility Transgender prisoners' safety campaigners called for the apology and reforms to Corrections policy during a rally in Auckland on 10 October. The rally was in response to allegations that a transwoman inmate was raped in a South Auckland men's prison run by Serco. The Department of Corrections’ Deputy National Commissioner, Rachel Leota, says that Corrections has a duty of care to all prisoners. “We are sensitive to the needs of transgender prisoners including the issues surrounding their placement and safety. “All prisoners have the right to safety in prison, and prisoners who engage in harassment, intimidation or violence will be held to account when this behaviour is made known to staff.” Regarding the alleged rape, Leota goes on to say; “The sexual assault alleged to have occurred at Auckland South Corrections Facility on 2 October 2015 was immediately referred to the New Zealand Police for investigation. “A review by the Department’s Chief Custodial Officer is also currently being undertaken. We are unable to comment further on the incident while the Police investigation and Chief Custodial Officer’s review are ongoing.” Corrections have made no comment regarding public calls that policy reforms are made regarding the initial placement of transgender inmates in men’s or women’s facilities or that efforts made towards this are publicly noted. This week after learning that a transwoman's gender was labeled a "lifestyle choice" by a Gisborne Judge, No Pride In Prisons have reiterated the demand that Corrections accept responsibility for their failed transgender placement policies. "These policies are directly responsible for the violence incarcerated trans people experience," says No Pride In Prisons spokesperson Emilie Rākete. The group is also calling on Corrections to take immediate action to improve the safety of transgender inmates. No Pride in Prisons say they will take further action if these demands are not met by the 17th of October.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 16th October 2015 - 1:36pm