Released 07/03/2025
ACT Corrective Services has implemented a comprehensive strategy to prevent, track, and respond to sexual coercion and violence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The new plan addresses a recommendation from an independent review, while also reaffirming the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, as well as upholding a safe environment for detainees and staff.
Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the strategy aimed to foster a safe, respectful environment for both detainees and staff.
“Sexual coercion or violence has no place in our correctional system. Our main objective of this strategy is to foster a correctional environment where everyone feels safe and respected, whether in our care or in our employment. This strategy is a crucial step in reaching that goal,” Dr Paterson said.
The strategy, Preventing, Tracking and Responding to Sexual Coercion and Violence in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, was developed in response to Recommendation 7 of the Inspector of Custodial Services’ Healthy Prison Review 2022. It is built on the principles of human rights, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing sexual coercion and violence within the correctional centre.
Dr Paterson said the strategy’s focus on prevention, response, and monitoring reflected a proactive approach to tackling sexual coercion and violence in all its forms.
“We are committed to preventing incidents of sexual coercion and violence through education, awareness, and early identification of risks. Staff are trained to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed, person-centred manner, ensuring that those in the care of corrective services receive the support they need,” she said.
The strategy includes several key initiatives:
- Conducting risk assessments during admission to ensure appropriate cell placement.
- Informing detainees about our zero-tolerance stance and the disciplinary process.
- Ensuring detainees are aware of supports available, including access to police and external reporting agencies.
- Offering information and awareness programs on sexual coercion and violence.
- Building staff capability to support detainees during disclosures with trauma-informed practices.
- Improving record-keeping and data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Holding perpetrators accountable and prompt disciplinary measures is a core principle of the strategy.
The strategy aligns with the ACT Government’s broader approach to addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence in the community. It represents a proactive and comprehensive effort to create a safer environment for all individuals within the correctional system.
Quotes attributable to Leanne Close, ACT Corrective Services Commissioner:
“ACT Corrective Services takes the issue of sexual coercion and violence very seriously. This strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with experts, staff and detainees, representing a modern, person-centred response to such incidents.
“We know that sexual coercion and violence are among the most underreported crimes in the general community. This is exacerbated in the correctional environment, where organisational and sub-cultural barriers can hinder disclosure.
“This strategy addresses those barriers and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to sexual coercion and violence. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and will review the effectiveness of our actions within 12 months of implementation.”
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases