A phone call, a conjugal visit or a last meal are requests usually associated with the prison system (well, at least in the crime dramas we binge-watch).
And now, one UK prisoner has made a very surprising request—that when you think about it—actually makes a fair bit of sense.
Jack Swarez, 48, has called for blow-up dolls to be provided to help improve inmate behaviour and kerb prison violence.
Inspiration struck when Swarez was watching the documentary Sex Toy Secrets, and he decided to write a letter to Inside Time voicing the unusual request.
“I have a proposal that should be given careful consideration. It might help to alleviate this ongoing problem and, in turn, help to de-stress the wings of every establishment the length and breadth of our nation,” he wrote.
“Inmates could spend their bang-up time together with their rubberised partner. They could enjoy date nights, watch the soaps together, listen to music — everything that you would normally do with your partner.”
Swarez, who is serving a 17-year sentence, has given considerable thought to the logistics of how the dolls could be created.
“There are companies who manufacture these doll women and, if this idea is taken up, everyone who purchases one can send a photo of their loved one and have the company incorporate their features into the doll. Obviously to save on ear-ache from your other half,” he wrote.
But does the research support his theory about inflatable dolls, or is it a load of hot air?
Forensic psychologist Marcelo Rodriguez told news.com.au sex dolls are probably not the right solution to prison violence.
“Some men will have high levels of testosterone circulating in their system and are likely to be more aggressive,” he explained.
“However, sexual frustration could be a contributing factor to aggression but it is unlikely to be the only factor.”
The psychologist added: “I’m sceptical that they could reduce violence. They may initially, due to curiosity, but habituation will likely deal in a resumption of aggression because of the reasons stated before.”
Sorry Swarez—you might still be entitled to a blow-up doll, but not for the reason you intended.
