This paper investigates the intricate dynamics of coercive control within gender and sexually diverse (GSD) communities in the United Kingdom, with a specific focus on help-seeking and rehabilitation for individuals using harm. Through qualitative research methods including interviews, focus groups, and community surveys, the study explores how intersecting factors shape experiences of coercive control among GSD individuals. Central to the analysis is an examination of the challenges and barriers faced by individuals using harm in seeking support and engaging in rehabilitation efforts within GSD communities. The study delves into the impact of societal stigma, internalised biases, and systemic inequalities on help-seeking behaviours, as well as the availability and accessibility of rehabilitation resources tailored to the diverse needs of GSD individuals.
Through an intersectional lens, the paper aims to amplify the voices of marginalised GSD individuals and highlight the importance of culturally competent and inclusive support services. By centering their experiences and perspectives, the study seeks to inform more effective interventions and rehabilitation programs that address the complex needs of individuals using harm within GSD communities in the UK. Ultimately, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of coercive control within GSD communities and underscore the necessity of holistic approaches to help-seeking and rehabilitation that recognise and address intersectional identities. The paper advocates for the development of inclusive and supportive environments that empower individuals using harm to seek help, engage in rehabilitation, and build healthy, respectful relationships within GSD communities.

As recently as 2021, Turban and colleagues declared a paucity of research on de-transitioning. Similarly, Esposito-Campos and colleagues (2023) concluded “gender detransition is a complex, heterogenous, under-researched, and poorly understood reality” (p. 98). Recently, in the United States, state governments have started to impose de-transitioning on individuals through legislation restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare. In order to better understand the consequences of de-transitioning, we examine the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, a large and diverse survey of over 20,000 respondents. We compare individuals who transitioned to those who de-transitioned on a number of important outcomes, including harassment, physical assault victimization, and mental health. We find statistically significantly worse outcomes for those who de-transition compared to those who did not. This research suggests that state-imposed control of trans individual’s bodies can be considered a state-inflicted harm. Our research suggests no benefits of such imposed de-transitioning and we call for an end to such policies.

This paper critically examines the human rights protections for LGBT individuals in Australian prisons, with a detailed case study on Victoria. It highlights the unique challenges LGBT incarcerated people experience, including overrepresentation, physical and psychological harm, systemic discrimination, and social ostracization, emphasizing the need for targeted human rights protections. Despite international human rights frameworks that should offer protection, there is a notable gap in their application in Australia, especially in Victoria. Here, provisions for LGBT people in prisons are insufficient and lack legal enforceability, posing a significant barrier to safeguarding their rights and well-being. Empirical evidence shows the systemic discrimination against LGBT people in prison, from violence and sexual assault to inadequate healthcare and mental health services. The paper critiques existing policies and practices for failing to meet the needs of LGBT people in prisons, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and abuse. In Victoria, despite some progress, there are significant gaps in protections for incarcerated LGBT people. These include a lack of comprehensive rights protections, the absence of enforceable legal standards, and the failure to establish independent oversight mechanisms in alignment with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The paper concludes with a call for legislative reforms to improve protections for LGBT people in prisons. Recommendations include amending the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities to incorporate economic and social rights, revising the Corrections Act to address LGBT people in prisons’ needs directly, and ensuring compliance with international human rights obligations, particularly OPCAT. Advocating for these reforms, the paper aims to contribute significantly to the discourse on human rights protections in prisons, highlighting current deficiencies and offering a roadmap for a more inclusive and equitable correctional system. This system would respect and uphold the rights of all incarcerated people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, aligning Australia's practices with international human rights standards and safeguarding the dignity and well-being of this particularly vulnerable cohort.

Why does the language we use to describe people in prison matter? This presentation will explore research (published in the Howard Journal of Crime and Justice in 2023) into how people in prison feel about the language used to describe them and how this affects them.

Previous research shows that the terminology used to describe people in prison affects their self-identity, namely through its shame-inducing effects. Conducted through qualitative analysis of interviews with prisoners in an adult male establishment, our research demonstrates that language impacts how an individual in prison views themselves and their inclination to engage with the community. For example, ‘negative’ language, such as labelling someone as a ‘criminal’, can lead to that individual feeling stigmatised and that they are not accepted by wider society. Similarly, dehumanising language was found to infantilise people in prison, who reported feeling incapable of looking after themselves. This could exemplify the potential for prison to breed dependency instead of preparing people to lead an independent life in the community.

We will also explore findings that suggest positive and progressive language in prisons has the potential to remove the shame and stigma attached to the prisoner identity. For example, several participants expressed the view that being referred to as ‘men’ instead of ‘prisoners’ encourages prosocial behaviour. Changing the language used in prison would cost nothing and could improve individual outcomes.

This presentation will give a voice to people in prison who participated in this research. By presenting their perspectives, we aim to spark a wider discussion about the words we choose to employ in custodial settings, as well as how, and why, these words matter.

Published research can be seen here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/hojo.12515