Today Nacro stands with 37 organisations and individuals, working to represent the views of children in the criminal justice system, to condemn the government’s decision to allow the use of PAVA (pepper) spray in young offenders’ institutions. In our joint statement, we make clear that the introduction of PAVA signifies a deeply disconcerting rise in the use of force towards children in custody and directly contravenes the Government’s purported commitment to a ‘Child first’ approach.
The use of PAVA spray in young offenders’ institutions also flies in the face of evidence from pilots in adult male prisons which demonstrated that its use failed to deter violence. The use of PAVA spray is part of a disturbing and dispiriting trend we are seeing towards an increased use of force and normalisation of violence in YOIs where a sense of safety and supportive relationships with staff are foundational for vulnerable children to move forward with their lives. This is simply not acceptable.
Notes to editor:
