Dungavel male migrant detainees caught looking in women’s bedroom windows, report finds

Elsewhere in his report on women’s experience of immigration detention, the chief inspector of prisons criticised staff for moving women across the country late at night.

In some cases, women who were pregnant, physically unwell or at risk of self-harm or suicide, were transferred with “little regard for their health or the appropriateness of the transfer”, the report said.

“These journeys could be disruptive and exhausting and could further exacerbate existing health conditions.

“One woman described the process of being transferred as psychological torture.”

Inspectors also found “concerning practices” around the use of handcuffs, including the handcuffing of a pregnant woman.

Taylor said: “Far fewer women than men are held in immigration detention in the UK and, as a result, their experiences are still largely shaped by policies designed for men.

“This report outlines where current processes fall short for women, but also what is working well.

“In the facilities we visited for this review, we found compassionate and committed staff working hard to support a complex population.

“We hope our findings will help the Home Office and its contractors continue to improve the support for these very vulnerable detainees.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We take these findings seriously and are committed to ensuring that the specific needs of women in immigration detention are properly met, including through gender-appropriate staffing, healthcare provision and safeguarding arrangements.

“Any allegations of inappropriate behaviour or concerns about safety are investigated thoroughly, with additional safeguarding measures put in place where necessary.”