Male abuse of power affecting all our institutions

Published on Tuesday 23 September 2008 21:30

The chief executive of Scotland's prison service, Mike Ewart, is reported as stating the prison population has reached "an unprecedented and ultimately dangerous level – a state of emergency". Barlinnie's maximum safe level of 1,600 has been exceeded time and again.

So what is the Scottish Government doing about this problem? Building more prisons. Addiewell prison, which is due to open at the end of the year, is already effectively full. Kenny McAskill, the justice secretary, recognises that "it's evident that building more prisons will not resolve the issue". But what does he think the real issue is?

Mr Ewart suggests we look to Norway for inspiration. However, Norway is the most egalitarian society in the West, whereas Scotland is one of the most patriarchal. It is this predominance of male abuse of power that fills our prisons. To compound the problem, all our institutions are similarly affected. From education to medicine, from the law to the police, all are prepared to tolerate the continuance of an unequal society where male abuse of power is reaching uncontrollable levels.

Mr Ewart says another apparent solution, home curfew detention (HCD), is a "sticking plaster for a condition which should be operated on". There is apparently a whole prison population out in society on HCD and the sticking plaster is the family, especially women in the family. So are the victims now to become part of the solution?

Women are increasingly angry at being left with this responsibility, and more are refusing to put up with men who cause problems. Women's voices are not being heard. Our values are not being recognised, nor our caring roles rewarded.

SYLVIA LATHAM

Murray Crescent

Perth