OICS latest critical incident review tabled 30 November

This review concerns an allegation by a detained person that he was sexually assaulted in the AMC. After reporting the allegation, he was taken to FAMSAC at TCH, and in response to his physical condition or injuries, he was admitted to hospital. The admission to hospital triggered ACTCS reporting this incident to OICS as a critical incident under the ICS Act as ‘an assault or use of force that results in a person being admitted to hospital’.

Although OICS has been made aware of allegations of sexual assault in the AMC in the past, this is the first time an alleged sexual assault resulting in admission to hospital has been reported to OICS as a critical incident since OICS was established in 2018. Noting that there are significant risks of sexual assault in prison but the prevalence is considered to be underreported, the Inspector is of the view there are public interest grounds in conducting this review to provide insight into an example of system response to an allegation of sexual assault in the AMC, with a view to identifying good practices and any areas for improvement and prevention.

The review makes 5 recommendations.

Read the full report here.