One of the most disturbing aspects of Border Force's takeover of detention camps has been the militarisation and increased use of force against people seeking asylum. Women have been especially targeted by SERCO and Border Force.
Next week in the Senate, the Government is seeking even more powers to use against women, children and men in detention.
Detention
Examples of existing measures include the use of electronic scanners plus physical pat-downs on women before they come and go to medical or counselling appointments outside the camp. The pat-downs involve female guards running their hands over breasts, bottoms and legs.
The women find it very intrusive, and some have had panic attacks as it has brought flashbacks of sexual abuse and rape attacks in Nauru. It is excessive and unnecessary and was not done until Border Force took over.
The women are escorted to the vans, with two guards holding their upper arms from reception to the van. The only point of this is to demonstrate physical force. As the women say, Where would I go?
Another current practice is the use of male guards inside the women's rooms at night. This is called 'high watch' or 'PSP' (Psychological Support Program). If a person expresses suicidal thoughts or is seen to be missing meals etc., surveillance is increased. It is not therapeutic or recommended by doctors; it is a security measure to ensure that SERCO is not fined.
The rooms at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA) are 3 x 2.5 metres with a double bunk bed and small cupboard, so a guard sitting on a chair all night in the room is literally at arm's length. The women cannot sleep in this situation. Some guards will not allow toilet doors to be closed, which is really distressing for the women.
Sudden room searches are a further cause of great anxiety. Once the women were given a few minutes warning, but now there is no warning as guards enter the rooms. The children are distressed by seeing their parents with no ability to defend them or their possessions.
Now sewing machines are banned. Donated machines remain in the property office for months. We have tried to negotiate with Border Force to no avail. One woman who has had a machine for a year has now had it taken away. Life in detention is boring and these women wanted something constructive to do — to make things for their children. This is the