20 June 2006
Leigh Day & Co have recently commenced a judicial review challenge on behalf of our client, Mr W, an inmate at HMP Dovegate, against the Secretary of State for the Home Department (the
Home Secretary) and
HMP Dovegate in relation to their continuing refusal to provide him with treatment for his
gender dysphoria condition.
Gender dysphoria condition
Mr W has a gender dysphoria condition. He has a gender identity that he feels is different from his anatomical sex. Put simply, he feels as if he is a woman trapped in a man’s body.
This is a long-standing condition. He has been seen by two gender dysphoria experts who confirm that he has this condition and that he would benefit from treatment and care. As a first step, they consider that he requires counselling to explore the issues surrounding his gender dysphoria before further treatment, such as being prescribed female hormones or surgery, can be considered.
This treatment is available to those in the wider community with gender dysphoria issues. The Prison Service confirm that prisoners are entitled to the same standard of treatment and care as those in the wider community.
Inadequate prison response
However, despite numerous complaints by Mr W and then a formal letter before action by this firm, the Prison has not agreed to either provide this treatment itself or refer him for this treatment.
In light of this, this firm commenced a judicial review challenge on behalf of Mr W against HMP Dovegate and the Secretary of State for the Home Department earlier this week on the basis that the Defendants have failed to provide our client with adequate treatment and care to our client and that this breaches his human rights.
For further information please contact
Sean Humber on 020 7650 1200.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.