SiM´s most important goal is to strengthen the ability for self-representation of detained patients in the Austrian “Maßnahmenvollzug”, a kind of preventive detention. At the same time SiM is an important point of contact for relatives and released detainees. Another goal of SiM is to improve the social awareness of the problem of human rights in the imprisonment of patients without knowing a dat
Peer Group and Representation of interests in preventive detention
Project owner: Selbst- und Interessensvertretung zum Maßnahmenvollzug (SiM)
Responsible person: Markus Drechsler
2017
2,000 Euro Prize
AT
Civil Society / Social Economy
Law, Justice
Diversity
Social welfare, health care
What is it about?
Appreciation of the Jury
Those under civil commitment are meant to be locked away. SiM has made them more visible than ever. Innovation is here at its best. Former inmates have come true on their promise to create the first facility independent of the justice system that represents the interests of (former) prisoners under civil commitment. SiM networks fast and well, raises very concrete hopes, spreads knowledge. What started well in 1975 as “therapy instead of punishment” has since the 90s turned into inadequate care, mounting numbers and increasing detention periods for prisoners suffering from mental disorders. They should be treated in hospitals. A reform is more than necessary. SiM shows that inmates can be resocialised. And how!
