'Avalanche of horrors', shocking report in to another youth detention centre

Scandal: Report reveals children left soaked in urine and locked up for days, while prison guards use flash bombs and shotgun laser sights to control detainees.

Banksia Hill

Two teenagers were 'likely' held in solitary confinement for 10 days. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull must intervene to protect WA children after a report revealed unprecedented levels of self-harm incidents in the state's only juvenile detention centre, Amensty International says.

Inspector of Custodial Services Neil Morgan noted there were five attempted suicides and 191 cases of self-harm last year at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre, compared to 77 cases of self-harm in 2015.

This year so far, one detainee has tried to take their own life and there have been 76 cases of self-harm.

Amnesty International says the abuses are on the same level as Don Dale in the Northern Territory, which sparked a royal commission.
"Today's revelations are the latest in the avalanche of horrors spilling out from youth detention centres around the country," Roxanne Moore, Indigenous Rights Campaigner for Amnesty International Australia said in a statement.

"How much suffering should children endure across Australia, before Prime Minister Turnbull admits this is a national crisis?"

"Prime Minister Turnbull cannot stand by, knowing that a young girl in Banksia was locked in solitary confinement for three days, and found soaked in her own urine from distress."

Mr Morgan said while there had been no suicides at Banskia Hill, the figures were cause for serious concern and some staff indicated self-harm was under- reported.

The number of "critical incidents" affecting safety and security, such as escapes and assaults, has also increased with 69 reported in 2016 compared to fewer than 30 in 2015.

Flash bombs and shotgun laser sights had been used to control detainees during violent incidents, which Mr Morgan said was unprecedented in either adult or youth facilities in the state.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

AAP

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Published 18 July 2017 10:24am
Updated 18 July 2017 10:28am


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