NCJ Number
174527
Journal
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: 1998 Pages: 184-192
Date Published
1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article presents a detailed analysis of all suicides in prisons in England and Wales from 1988 to 1995.
Abstract
During the years 1988-1995, the proportion of suicides and undetermined deaths recorded as suicide for men ranged from 58 percent to 84 percent. For women from 1988 to 1996 the overall rate was 27 percent. Factors which may increase the risk of suicide include a disrupted family background, a family history of suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, failure at school, unemployment and depression. These factors closely resemble the social factors associated with prisoner populations. In this sense, prisoners may include a disproportionately large number of individuals who may be at a higher risk of suicide. Very young prisoners (15-17 years of age) may be at increased risk of suicide, but the distribution of suicide is similar to the distribution of age groups in prison. Positive and constructive staff attitudes toward prisoners at risk of suicide are particularly significant in suicide prevention. Notes, tables, references