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14/04/2008
Self Injury In Prisons Rockets By 40%
Rates of self injury in prison have rocketed by almost 40% in the last five years.
This accelerates well beyond what would be expected from the ever rising prison population in England and Wales.
Figures show that in 2003, there were 16,393 incidents of self injury in prison. In 2007, there were 22,459 incidents.
The rise of 37% is almost four times the rise in the prison population for the same period, which was just over 9.5%. In 2003, the average number of men, women and children in prison was 73,000. By 2007, the average population for the whole year was around 80,000.
Self injury rates among women in prison have risen even further, with a 48% rise in recorded incidents between 2003 and 2007. In Styal prison, self injury rates among the female prisoners have leapt from 376 to 1,324 in the past five years.
Director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, Frances Crook, said: "This shocking rise in self injury is far above what might be expected as we lock up ever increasing numbers of men, women and children whose mental health problems and addictions will never be properly treated within our flooded and failing jails.
"Warehoused temporarily in prison, many individuals are then released only to reoffend and be returned to custody. Rotting in the chaos and squalor of overcrowded prisons simply serves to exacerbate problems and will most likely to lead to more serious and frequent reoffending on release. The idea that public protection is served by this vicious circle is not one many victims of crime would recognise."
(CD/JM)
This accelerates well beyond what would be expected from the ever rising prison population in England and Wales.
Figures show that in 2003, there were 16,393 incidents of self injury in prison. In 2007, there were 22,459 incidents.
The rise of 37% is almost four times the rise in the prison population for the same period, which was just over 9.5%. In 2003, the average number of men, women and children in prison was 73,000. By 2007, the average population for the whole year was around 80,000.
Self injury rates among women in prison have risen even further, with a 48% rise in recorded incidents between 2003 and 2007. In Styal prison, self injury rates among the female prisoners have leapt from 376 to 1,324 in the past five years.
Director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, Frances Crook, said: "This shocking rise in self injury is far above what might be expected as we lock up ever increasing numbers of men, women and children whose mental health problems and addictions will never be properly treated within our flooded and failing jails.
"Warehoused temporarily in prison, many individuals are then released only to reoffend and be returned to custody. Rotting in the chaos and squalor of overcrowded prisons simply serves to exacerbate problems and will most likely to lead to more serious and frequent reoffending on release. The idea that public protection is served by this vicious circle is not one many victims of crime would recognise."
(CD/JM)
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Home Secretary to announce new prisons
The Home Secretary John Reid is to announce plans for two new prisons, providing an extra 1,300 spaces. The prisons, which will reportedly cost more than £160m, will be located near Ashworth high security mental hospital in Merseyside and next to Belmarsh prison in Woolwich, south east London.
Home Secretary to announce new prisons
The Home Secretary John Reid is to announce plans for two new prisons, providing an extra 1,300 spaces. The prisons, which will reportedly cost more than £160m, will be located near Ashworth high security mental hospital in Merseyside and next to Belmarsh prison in Woolwich, south east London.
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The most overcrowded prisons have the highest numbers of suicides, new research has revealed. According to a study by the Howard League for Penal Reform, over half (56%) of suicides in England and Wales since the start of 2004 have occurred in the 35 most overcrowded jails.
Overcrowded prisons linked to higher suicide rate
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16 September 2008
Self Harm Levels 'High' At Holloway Prison
A surprise inspection of Holloway women's prison has revealed high levels of self harm. Bullying was rife and more than two incidents of self harm were reported every day according to a report by prisons inspector Anne Owers.
Self Harm Levels 'High' At Holloway Prison
A surprise inspection of Holloway women's prison has revealed high levels of self harm. Bullying was rife and more than two incidents of self harm were reported every day according to a report by prisons inspector Anne Owers.
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