Today I watched a panorama episode titled: Teenage prison abuse exposed. The link to this epsiode had come up on my Facebook newsfeed and I was intruged so I clicked on it. Five minutes in and my emotions were getting the best of me. I felt overwhelmed.
The programme is reported by 'Robert Charles' who goes undercover with a hidden camera attached to his clothing. He acts as a custody officer for security firm 'G4S'. The aim of this investigation was expose the unprofessional and abusive behaviour of the staff towards the children. The results are disgusting.
These young people are between the ages of 12 and 18. Lots of them from a care background or suffer from mental/behavioural problems. For healthy development to grow into respectful adults of society these children need help to overcome their problems.
In this episode there are so many outrageous breaches of power by the staff at the institution:
- Physical abuse - We are told by reporter Robert Charles about the correct training, We are told that restraints should only be carried out when neccisary. In this video we hear the staff talking about how much they want to hurt the children. We see them unnecessarily and inappropriately restraining the children in the incorrect ways, intentionally hurting them and enjoying it.
- Not recording incidents/ lying about incidents - Robert is told by 'colleagues' about how incidents are not reported if they show a 'lack of control' for example four of the young people fighting. This is because the institution would face potentially being shut down. We also see that when staff initiate physical violence that they report it as the young person attacking them.
This is a complete abuse of power. These are societies most vulnerable children and they do not deserve that. Between the age of 12-18 our brains are still developing and are at a crucial point. If trauma continues through this age it can be seriously damaging causing severe mental issues. Not only that but mistreatment of youths in prison often result in re offending.
I am someone who has always tried to do good. I've never wanted to break the law or commit crime and yet I've been arrested, I know how unjust the world can be. I also know how childhood trauma can cause you to be seriously messed up as a teenager. I think many authorities such as the police, prison officers etc need further training on how to appropriately deal with teenagers. I do believe that sensitivity and more understanding is needed.
After years of abuse and over twenty foster placements I went into a children's home and I remember this made me very unsettled. I remember the police were called due to this and the police officer had no compassion at all. At twelve years old he called me a 'slag' amongst other things and threatened to pepperspray me. After looking up to police officers this traumatised me.
Now I know that not all police officers are like that, I respect what the police do so much. They look after our country and keep us all safe. I've always had that view so when that happened to me it was horrible.
But the sad reality is that there is a discrimination against young people. I'm someone who was abused as a child and assaulted by a staff member who worked in my children's home. Those adults who did that to me don't have any warnings on their record. But me, someone who has always respected the law even with the life I've had, does.
I don't know if there's any justice is the world but there sure as hell needs to be. The treatment of those kids in that prison was absolutely unacceptable. Society will keep going round in an endless circle if something isn't done. These teenagers will grow into disrespectful adults have disrespectful children and so on and so on. There needs to be a change in this never ending tragic story.
I really hope soon the government will tackle this discrimination and for once and all end it.
Here is this panorama episode, please watch it and share! Thank you.
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