There are several reasons why conjugal visits are not allowed:
- Security and Control: One of the primary concerns is maintaining security and control within prisons. Allowing intimate visits between inmates and their partners or spouses raises potential risks, such as contraband smuggling, escape attempts, or disruptions to the overall prison environment. Prisons prioritise safety and security, and conjugal visits may be seen as compromising these objectives.
- Limited Resources: Implementing conjugal visits would require significant resources, including additional staffing, infrastructure, and administrative processes. The prison system faces challenges related to overcrowding and limited resources, and prioritising resources for other essential areas such as rehabilitation programs and maintaining basic prison operations may take precedence over providing conjugal visits.
- Focus on Rehabilitation: The prison system emphasises the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. While maintaining family relationships is recognized as important for an individual’s well-being and successful reintegration, alternative measures are in place to support family ties, such as regular visits, correspondence, and family support programs. These measures aim to maintain connections while ensuring security and control within the prison environment.