I read Vicky Pryce's book Prisonomics recently about female prisoners and it made me want to find out more. I read this article today and was shocked.
So many issues within the system and this still happens? If non violent/risky female prisoners are still being handcuffed in labour, during labour, vaginal examinations etc, why? Surely they can't pose that much of a threat?
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/04/the-scandal-of-women-handcuffed-while-in-labour-i-was-so-shocked-when-the-restraints-werent-removed
The detail of male rather than female staff being present for these intimate procedures shocked me too. I honestly wonder if , at least ideally, men should serve in women's prisons and vice versa. So many women in prison have experienced SA and arguably it increases risk of further exploitation. Female guards in male prisons also seem to have caused issues, at least sometimes.