© Australian Human Rights Commission 2024. The Australian Human Rights Commission encourages the dissemination and exchange of information presented in this publication. All material presented in this publication is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence, with the exception of photographs and images; logos, any branding or trademarks; content or material provided by third parties; and where otherwise indicated. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode In essence, you are free to copy, communicate and adapt the publication, as long as you attribute the Australian Human Rights Commission and abide by the other licence terms. Suggested citation Australian Human Rights Commission (2024). Not just an afterthought: the experience of women in immigration detention. Acknowledgement of Country The Australian Human Rights Commission acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and future. Other Acknowledgements Authors: Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay and Steven Caruana The Australian Human Rights Commission thanks the following for their contributions: • President Hugh de Kretser • Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody • Australian Human Rights Commission staff: Darren Dick, Joanna Maxwell, Jodie Ball, Julie O’Brian, Louisa Wong, Sophie Leaver, Melissa De Abreu, Jessica Egan, Andrea Olivares Jones and Ruby Mountford. • Independent medical consultant, Dr Penny Abbott, for her expertise, advice, and review of this report. • Independent gendered and lived experience of incarceration consultants, Ms Debbie Kilroy OAM, and Dr Marianne van Galen-Dickie, for their expertise, advice, and review of this report. • The Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force, and contracted detention service providers, Serco and International Health and Medical Services, for facilitating this inspection. • Current and former people in detention, civil society organisations, and networks, for sharing information to inform this review. Design and layout: Miranda Douglas, mirandadouglas.com Further information This publication can be found in electronic format on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website: humanrights.gov.au/our-work/asylum-seekers-and-refugees/publications/not-justafterthought-women-detention-inspection For more information about the Australian Human Rights Commission or copyright in this publication: Australian Human Rights Commission GPO Box 5218, SYDNEY NSW 2001 Telephone: (02) 9284 9600 Email: communications@humanrights.gov.au Website: humanrights.gov.au ISBN (online): 978-1-921449-02-4 Not just an afterthought: the experience of women in immigration detention. ii