NCJ Number
231191
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 111-124
Date Published
May 2010
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored the link between factors that contribute to suicide among female prisoners, including the problem of overcrowding in prisons.
Abstract
This article reveals the main contributory factors to suicide among female prisoners and shows that overcrowding is a factor exacerbating the risk of suicide. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 female prisoners in 1 closed prison in 2007. They focused on incidents of self-harm and attempted suicide revealing the negative impact of the prison experience and, in particular, the effect of overcrowding. There are few studies looking at the link between overcrowding and suicide. This study highlights the need to explore this link especially at a time when overcrowding and suicide in prisons are high. Note and references (Published Abstract)