Objectives

The aim of the Prison Safe project is to provide current and useful training to correctional staff regarding the safe and respectful management of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) offenders. Relying on a best practices approach, this training will enable correctional staff to make better informed decisions about the safety, security, treatment and care of LGBTIQ offenders by providing academic, cultural and legal perspectives of the issues that make this group unique.

Prison staff should be able to identify, address, and respond to abuse of LGBTIQ individuals and their training will include awareness-raising regarding international human rights standards and principles of equality and non-discrimination, with specific emphasis on the issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. The prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the special needs of LGBTIQ prisoners will be included in the training. Staff will also be trained:

to implement specific procedures in cases of sexual assault,
to detect signs of fear and distress among LGBTIQ prisoners,
to ensure that they receive immediate protection and assistance where necessary,
to listen to the concerns and complaints by members of such groups and be instructed to take these complaints seriously,
to detect signs of suicidal tendencies and refer such prisoners to psychological support services as necessary.

The PRISON SAFE project is expected to contribute to the capacity building of a total of three hundred ninety (390) correctional officers and prison staff in three (3) European countries. In the context of the project, at least fifteen (15) Portuguese, Greek and Cypriot prisons are expected to be involved in the twelve (12) training sessions.