Strip-searches have become a near “routine” procedure in Australian prisons, a practice that advocates are now urging to be banned due to its degrading nature. Sara, a former inmate of a Melbourne women’s prison, recounts the distressing experience of being ordered to strip naked by guards, a situation she describes as both “degrading and humiliating.”
As a survivor of sexual abuse, Sara, who prefers not to disclose her full name, found the experience deeply distressing. “It was very degrading and humiliating. I felt like I was being violated and exploited,” she shared. “You kind of go with the practices of strip-searching, because you’ll get consequences if you don’t comply.”
Widespread Practice and Low Detection Rates
According to a report by the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC), an average of 15,154 strip-searches are conducted in Australian prisons each month, with only 0.58% resulting in the discovery of contraband. In youth detention centers, the detection rate is slightly higher at 4.32%, with 317 searches conducted monthly.
“An average of 15,154 strip-searches occur monthly in Australian prisons, with a mere 0.58% contraband detection rate.” – HRLC Report
The report, based on data obtained under freedom of information laws from six Australian jurisdictions, highlights the need to reconsider the necessity of such invasive procedures, especially given their low success rate in finding contraband.
Advocacy for Change
The call for reform is gaining momentum, with advocates like Sara joining forces with Formerly Incarcerated Girls Justice Advocates Melbourne (Figjam), a collective advocating for the rights of women, gender diverse, and trans people. The HRLC, through senior lawyer Sohini Mehta, proposes the use of less invasive technologies such as full-body scanners as alternatives to strip-searches.
“It’s just entirely unnecessary. We have the modern technology, we have body scanners similar to those used at airports and at public buildings.” – Sohini Mehta, HRLC
Mehta emphasizes the baffling nature of the continued use of strip-searches despite the availability of modern technology. The report also notes that many searches did not result in the identification of contraband, further questioning their efficacy.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The report describes strip-searches as “a gendered tactic of state violence,” disproportionately affecting women who have experienced sexual and family violence. It highlights that First Nations women and children are subjected to these searches at higher rates than the general prison population.
Stacey, a Figjam member and contributor to the report, shares her experience: “Like many women in prison, I’m a survivor of child sexual abuse. Being strip-searched by guards is an abuse of power that is deeply harmful and re-traumatizing.”
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were reportedly subjected to nearly half of all strip searches of women in the ACT in 2024.” – HRLC Report
The report underscores the disproportionate impact on Indigenous populations, with data from Queensland indicating that more than half of the 700 strip-searches conducted at the state’s youth prisons involved First Nations children.
Looking Forward
The push to end strip-searches in Australian prisons is part of a broader movement to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Advocates argue that adopting modern, less invasive technologies and trauma-informed practices could significantly reduce the harm caused by current procedures.
The HRLC and advocacy groups like Figjam continue to campaign for change, aiming to influence policy and bring about a more humane approach to prison security. As discussions around prison reform gain traction, the focus remains on ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.
The debate over strip-searches in Australian prisons is likely to continue, with advocates pushing for legislative changes that prioritize the well-being of inmates, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalized communities.
