Self-harm in prison ‘at a two-decade high’ latest figures reveal

SELF-HARM in Cardiff Prison is at a two-decade high – showing the “sheer scale of human misery behind bars”.

There were 828 cases of selfharm recorded in 2019, according to latest figures from the Ministry of Justice.

That was four-fifths higher than the 426 incidents in 2018.

It was also the highest number since 2004, when comparable records began, when there were 99 incidents.

Of the cases recorded in 2019, 36 were so serious the prisoner needed hospital treatment.

Across all prisons in England and Wales, incidents of self-harm are also at a record high.

There were 63,328 cases recorded in 2019 – up from 55,615 in 2018, and 19,702 in 2004.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The Government’s own figures, from before the coronavirus lockdown began, reveal the sheer scale of human misery behind bars across Wales and England.

“Assaults may be falling but the restricted regimes imposed have caused further surges in the numbers of self-injury incidents.

“Since then prison regimes have tightened even further. But these figures show that keeping prisoners safe during the pandemic involves so much more than seeking to reduce rates of infection.

“The need to reduce the prison population could not be clearer. It is intolerable that prisoners should be spending 23 hours or more each day locked in cells, either in overcrowded conditions or prolonged solitary confinement, with nothing to do.”

An increasing number of incidents are leading to prisoners needing hospital treatment.

Of cases recorded in 2019, 3,481 led to a visit to hospital, the highest number on record, up from 3,215 in 2018.

Not only are the number of incidents rising, but the number of prisoners harming themselves is also at its highest levels since figures began in 2009 – up from 12,573 in 2018 to 12,977 in 2019.

Prisons and Probation Minister, Lucy Frazer QC MP said: “I am incredibly grateful to prison staff who have worked so hard to reduce violence on the wings and are now ensuring our jails remain places of safety during these unprecedented times.

“Self-harm remains a huge concern.

“This is why we must continue to make jails safer and ensure prisoners can access the support they need, which we are doing by extending telephone access and providing dedicated support to each individual.”

Anyone can call Samaritans for free, at any time, on 116 123.