Time to listen – the need for a public inquiry into historic child abuse at Detention Centres

Widespread physical and sexual abuse occurred at numerous Detention Centres (‘DCs’) across England during the 1970s to 1990s. As part of the so-called ‘short sharp shock’ regime, officers and staff in DCs and Young Offender Institutions (‘YOIs’) were encouraged to scare boys and young men to deter them from future offending.

In several centres, this approach went far beyond deterrence. Many former detainees report severe physical violence, psychological manipulation, and in some cases, sexual abuse - either by staff or fellow detainees - all while under the care of the state.

The impact on these boys was profound. Many carry lasting physical injuries, suffer long-term mental health issues or have struggled with addiction. Sadly, these outcomes are all too familiar to us at Jordans. 

Today, compensation is available for those who were held at some of these centres, including Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire, Kirklevington in North Yorkshire, and Medomsley in County Durham - the latter still the subject of an ombudsman-led investigation into the extent and severity of the abuse. But standalone investigations are not enough. 

Child abuse in state custody has not been confined to the recent past. Recent government reports show the majority of young people in today’s YOIs still feel unsafe, with frequent safeguarding concerns around violence and sexual abuse being made by staff. 

The Government recently announced that vulnerable girls will no longer be placed in YOIs after troubling incidents, including officers forcing at least one girl to strip. However, there is still no equivalent protection for boys, who remain exposed to many of the same risks that plagued the Detention Centre era.

As the Children’s Commissioner, Rachel de Souza, notes, there are ‘deep concerns’ about risks in YOIs. At such a young age, entrants to the justice system are often vulnerable, cut off from their families and support systems, and are at increased risk of exploitation or declining mental health.

With the Labour Government having launched 67 consultations in 2024 alone, now is a moment of public momentum. A broad national inquiry - wider in scope than the Medomsley investigation - would ensure that the voices of those subjected to the ‘short sharp shock’ regime are not forgotten.

Understandably, some who experienced abuse at places like Eastwood Park or Kirklevington may not wish to revisit past trauma. But the fact that similar abuses still occur today - even if to a lesser extent - proves we have not yet learned how to effectively safeguard children in detention.

This need is especially urgent following the 2022 closure of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). A nationwide investigation would once again give survivors the chance to be heard and help shape stronger protections for today’s vulnerable children.

Such an inquiry would also shine a light on an overlooked part of our justice system’s recent history - helping us understand the lasting challenges these men face in rebuilding trust and relationships and moving on with their lives. This is why a national inquiry matters: not only to drive future change, but to finally acknowledge the tens of thousands of unheard voices.