A safe working and living environment requires not only clear guidelines and protocols but also a culture in which staff and inmates dare to address each other respectfully. Researchers Esther van Ginneken and Yara Abbing state this in the research report Distance, Proximity, and Social Safety published today by Leiden University. DJI commissioned this study to gain deeper insight into social safety within the three womens prisons: PI Nieuwersluis, PI Ter Peel, and PI Zwolle.
The research provides valuable insights and recommendations that contribute to a safer and more humane detention environment for female inmates and a safer working environment for staff.
Approach focused on change
The research shows that social safety in womens prisons is a complex challenge. Prison life inherently brings restrictions, such as missing family, uncertainty about the future, and personal circumstances that play a role. Social interactions within a penitentiary institution play a crucial role in how detention is experienced. The researchers therefore emphasize the importance of clear frameworks, professional conduct, and a safe reporting culture.
DJI recognizes the challenges and takes the recommendations to heart. Wim Saris, Director-General of DJI: “This report confirms that, in addition to the measures already taken, structural changes are needed in how we organize womens prisons and support our staff. The specific needs of women in detention require an approach that looks beyond the existing detention system.
An example of this is the introduction of body scans, which largely replace physical visitation in womens prisons. This contributes to a more humane entry for inmates while ensuring safety is maintained. “But structural change means more than just adjusting existing processes,” adds Saris. “It requires a broader view of organizing womens prisons, where we better balance care and safety and give inmates more autonomy within the frameworks of their detention.”
Measures already in progress
A safe detention environment requires clear guidelines and accessible reporting routes. In 2023, tightened measures were implemented, first in PI Nieuwersluis and now in all womens prisons. This allows inmates to make low-threshold and anonymous reports via special mailboxes that can only be opened by the Supervisory Committee. Social safety officers have also been appointed at the Supervisory Committee, or a confidential advisor for inmates has been established in all womens institutions.
Director of PI Nieuwersluis, Francesca Salamone: “Creating a safe environment starts with listening. Thats why weve improved the reporting routes, so inmates feel more comfortable speaking up and staff have clear tools to pick up on signals early. Our staff face complex situations daily where they must deliver customized solutions. Not everything can be captured in rules, and decisions can sometimes be perceived differently by staff and inmates. Therefore, it is essential that we continuously engage in conversations about professional behavior and dare to address each other within our teams.
Training and intervisions have been underway for some time to better equip staff for the unique dynamics within womens prisons. This aligns with the recommendations from Leiden Universitys research, which emphasizes the importance of continuous reflection and attention to professional proximity. The aim is to create a work atmosphere where staff dare to address each other and engage in constructive dialogue.
Concrete measures for structural improvement
Improving social safety is a long-term process. In addition to current measures, new initiatives are being worked on, such as the introduction of phones in cells for more privacy and contact with family. This will be rolled out this year in PI Ter Peel, a location of PI South-East, and in PI Nieuwersluis.
Director of PI South-East, Arend de Korte: Installing phones in cells is an important step forward. This allows inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones in a safe and calm manner, contributing to their well-being and reintegration.
Further investigation is being conducted on how peer support, where inmates support each other, can be used. In collaboration with the ministry and the Supervisory Committees, it is also being explored how experts by experience can contribute to the detention climate.
Director of PI Zwolle, Elise Beltman: “Every day, we work hard to create a safe living environment for the women in our PI. The introduction of new measures helps us to perform this work even more effectively. The care for women on the terrorist unit specifically requires a careful balance between strict supervision and a humane approach. The insights from the report provide valuable guidelines for further improvements.”
Want to know more?
Read the full research report below.