Transgender inmates say they face abuse in federal prisons

Transgender inmates in federal prisons claim they're being harassed and assaulted in custody, according to documents obtained by the CBC through access to information.

The documents allege abusenot only by prisoners, but prison guards as well. The Correctional Service Of Canada won't comment on theallegations, but says complaints are dealt with.

"We've received complaints including sexual assaults,harassment and also complaints about access to medical treatment," said Correctional Investigator of CanadaHowardSapers, The office is anindependent body that investigatescomplaints within the correctional system.

At times, Sapers says transgender inmatesare placed in solitary confinement for their protection. However, he is concerned about the overuse of segregation.

"We findthat the Correctional Service is relying on segregation as apopulation management tool," he said.

Change is needed

Jack Saddleback, a transgender activist, said more needsto be done to protect transgender people, who he says arevulnerable.

"It's just horrible to think that trans people are putas second class citizens," he said."It's a reflection of how much more education weneed regarding gender identity, regardinggender expression and regarding cultural sensitivity."

Kyle Kirkup, a researcher at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law says the government needs to update its policiesfor transgender prisoners. He says transgender inmates would appear before a recognized psychiatric expert to be assessed.

"Transgender people should be allowed to self identify theirgender for legal purposes," he said."So, a person would be asked at admission phase whetheror not they would prefer to be place in a men's facility ora women's facility."