First a strip-search goes too far, then a boy is isolated in a cell … the former detainees who tell all-too-similar stories

Former detainees describe a youth justice system in which children have been left vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, isolated and ignored, or disbelieved when they try to speak up. Illustration: Dylan Finney/The Guardian

Sexual abuse disclosed by former youth detainees often follows a “typical pattern”, Dr Sivasankaran Balaratnasingam says.

First they mention invasive strip-searches which go one step too far, then two. They speak of being isolated in their cells, or assaulted while being escorted to use the toilet.