Thu 17 Mar 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
No Pride in Prisons is urging for people to contact the Department of Corrections today to demand full independent investigation’s into two alleged rape cases and that all transgender prisoners be treated with respect. They say if Corrections fail to act, they will. The 'Call-in to Call Out’ event has come following recent allegations of sexual assault from a trans woman in Whanganui Men’s Prison. Spokeswoman for NPIP Emmy Rākete says the woman 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.” Director of the Prison, Reti Pearse, has responded to these allegations saying an internal investigation “found no substance to the allegations” and that the matter had been referred to Police. A Police Spokesperson says as this complaint is currently under investigation they are unable to comment on the inquiry during this time. The prison activist group is encouraging its members and supporters to call, email, fax and write letters to various representatives of the Department of Corrections in an attempt to inundate the department and force them to act. “We are asking our supporters to demand three things,” says Rākete. “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.” No Pride in Prisons says that if these demands are not met, further action will be taken to ensure the safety of this woman. “If Corrections fails to act, we will.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 17th March 2016 - 11:11am