A pilot project in Belgium could soon see prisoners convicted of sexual offences being held in a separate part of jails, to improve both their safety and their treatment.
A recent study carried out in Flemish prisons considered the safety of people who commit sexual offences (so-called PSOs) in prison by examining their current experiences of being incarcerated with other criminals. Interviews with PSOs showed that this often creates security problems and suffering within the walls of prisons.
"Life for those people in prison is anything but a walk in the park if people find out why they are in jail, especially when it comes to abusing minors. The offenders often live in constant fear," Jan Van der Cruysse, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne's spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
The minister and relevant partners in the field – from prisons to psychologists – will soon look into a pilot project that tackles these risks and improves the treatment of inmates.
On constant guard
At present, the Belgian prison system places PSOs with other criminals, which has important ramifications for their safety and therapeutic opportunities, the study found, noting that "They find themselves at the bottom of the hierarchal ladder."
"Nearly all interviewed PSOs reported suffering at the hands of fellow inmates or prison staff because of the nature of their offences. Almost all of them indicated having to be constantly on guard due to an increased risk of verbal or physical violence," including sexual abuse from other inmates.
The interior of the prison ahead of the inauguration of the new Dendermonde Prison, in Dendermonde, December 2022. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
Most PSOs try to keep the true nature of their offences hidden to protect themselves, leading to a constant fear of being discovered and preventing them from coming to terms with their crimes. It also prevents them from receiving the proper treatment, such as being seen by psychologists and other specialists.
Because of these safety concerns, other countries such as the UK and Germany house them in separate prisons or areas; the study showed that almost all PSOs would prefer such an arrangement. Until now Flemish professionals have been reluctant to try this system in prisons because of the "perceived risk of increased cognitive distortions and further isolation of this already stigmatised group."
Launching pilot project
This could soon change, as Van Quickenborne and the Flemish government are looking into a test project to create a separate space within an existing prison. This would also provide a safer environment for more therapeutic opportunities for PSOs, including in groups.
"This is important, not only for inmates' safety and for their treatment, but also for society and what happens to those offenders when they get out of prison," Van der Cruysse explained. "There is a lot more to detention than just being in prison, there is also the aspect of getting better."
Exactly when the project will start and with how many sex offenders is not yet entirely certain. More information will be released in the coming months.
