The suicide rate in prisons has more than doubled since 2013,
figures seen by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveal today
(Thursday 27 April).
Official statistics, published by the Ministry of Justice, show
that 113 people – including 10 in women’s prisons – lost their
lives through suicide in the year ending March 2017.
They were among a total of 344 people who died in prisons in
England and Wales – the highest death toll since current
recording practices began in 1978.
Assaults and incidents of self-injury have also risen to record
levels as prisons fail to cope with chronic overcrowding and deep
staff cuts.
Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for
Penal Reform, said: “These latest figures on safety
in custody are unutterably terrible. It is frankly shameful that
such human misery under the supposed care of the state is allowed
to continue in the 21st century.
“The general election is only six weeks away and the political
parties must address this crisis directly. By taking bold but
sensible steps to reduce the prison population, we can save lives
and prevent more people being swept away into deeper currents of
crime and despair.”
More than 40,000 incidents of self-harm – 110 per day on average
– were recorded in prisons in the year ending December 2016. This
represents a 24 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
The number of self-harm incidents requiring hospital attendance
rose by 21 per cent to 2,740.
Assaults in prisons reached a record high of more than 26,000 in
the year ending December 2016 – a 27 per cent increase. The
number of assaults rose by 77 per cent between 2013 and 2016, and
the number of serious cases has almost trebled since 2012.
The number of assaults on staff rose by 38 per cent in the year
ending December 2016. Almost 7,000 incidents were recorded –
about 19 per day on average.
Notes to editors
- 1. The Howard League for Penal Reform
is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national
charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer
people in prison.
- 2. The Ministry of Justice’s
statistical bulletin, Safety in custody: quarterly
update to December 2016, can be viewed
online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-december-2016--2
