An investigation into potential class action proceedings for people who have been unlawfully strip searched by NSW Police has commenced.
The Redfern Legal Centre and Slater & Gordon Lawyers will head up the investigation and are asking people who have been unlawfully strip searched by police in the last six years to come forward.
Dr Peta Malins, who is a senior lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies at Melbourne's RMIT University, welcomed the news.
"It is widely recognised that strip searches are inherently degrading, humiliating and dehumanising, and can cause deep and lasting trauma," Malins said.
"As my research has shown, their use can also re-traumatise people with past experiences of sexual assault or abuse and may itself constitute a form of sexual assault.
The news comes after an inquest earlier this month found that four strip searches undertaken at music festivals in NSW were unlawful.
"Revelations that NSW police have been routinely strip searching people, including children as young as 10, for suspicion of minor offences like drug possession, is deeply concerning," Malins said.
"I hope that this group action succeeds in getting compensation for those who have been victims of NSW Police's use of drug detection dogs and strip searches, and helps pressure governments to finally put an end to their use, not only in NSW but around Australia."
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