The organization appeals to correctional authorities to enhance their statistical and general data collection capabilities in order to facilitate appropriate monitoring and identification of issues, which at the moment are obscured by lack of adequate information. Amnesty International further urges federal, state and local governments and authorities to take urgent action to ensure that laws, regulations, policies and practices for which they are responsible rigorously conform to international standards and respect the human rights of women deprived of their liberty. Male staff who provide professional services in female facilities should always be accompanied by female officers. Sexual abuse of all persons in custody should be expressly prohibited and immediate action taken against staff who sexually abuse inmates. All staff and inmates should be informed that sexual abuse is prohibited and that Inmates have a right to complain if they are abused.
Staff have a duty to report if they know that an inmate has been abused.
All complaints must be investigated independently, promptly and thoroughly in line with best practice for the investigation of sexual assault. Victims of sexual abuse must be provided with appropriate care and redress. In every case, due regard must be given to an inmate's individual history. Policies should prohibit the use of restraints on pregnant women when they are being transported and when they are in hospital awaiting birth, and after they have just given birth. Amnesty International intends to develop recommendations for individual states with further details.