Community Justice Coalition seeks domestic violence counselling in South Australian prisons

The Community Justice Coalition says secure domestic violence counselling should be made available to South Australian prisoners in their cells, and has sent a report to correctional leaders for review. The group argues the move would be low-cost and could improve rehabilitation and family outcomes.

Why it matters: - The Community Justice Coalition says South Australian prisoners held for domestic violence should be able to access secure counselling in their cells. - The group argues the change could support rehabilitation while prisoners are away from their families. - The coalition says the service would be low cost and already supported by existing funding structures.

What happened: - The Community Justice Coalition prepared a report for Correctional Services Minister Michael Brown and Chief Executive David Brown. - The report follows consultations with technology experts and world providers on prison technology and counselling delivery. - The coalition says the offer is awaiting acceptance. - CJC President John Dowd said effective domestic violence counselling could be securely available in South Australian prison cells, but is not currently available. - CJC Vice President Arthur Chesterfield-Evans said about 1,500 South Australian prisoners are being held for domestic violence.

The details: - The coalition says external tele-counselling in cells would not conflict with prison security. - The group says the service could be delivered efficiently through services already funded and could continue after release. - The coalition says the counselling would be emotionally supportive for prisoners held away from their normal social surroundings. - The group says the cost would be minimal and the benefits would be substantial. - Dowd said Chief Executive David Brown is also the acting president of the International Corrections and Prisons Association. - Dowd said Brown was not present at the Moroccan conference where the UN/Red Cross Handbook on the Use of Technology in Prison Settings was launched. - The coalition says it formally consulted the handbook's writers and world providers to get a full picture of developments. - Chesterfield-Evans said the coalition met with former minister Szakacs in 2022 to discuss technology in cells, but security concerns blocked acceptance at that time. - Chesterfield-Evans said the same concerns apply to children in cells. - Chesterfield-Evans said children in South Australian cells cost the state $1.19 million each annually and have a recidivism rate of 42.7%.

Between the lines: - The coalition is framing the proposal as both a security-compatible prison-management tool and a rehabilitation measure. - The emphasis on cost, recidivism and post-release continuity suggests the group is trying to make the case on operational as well as moral grounds. - The report also appears aimed at reopening a discussion that stalled in 2022 over security objections.

What's next: - The Community Justice Coalition says the proposal now awaits acceptance by correctional leaders. - The coalition has provided contact details for John Dowd and Arthur Chesterfield-Evans for further comment. - The group also directs readers to its website and social channels for more information: the coalition's website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.