Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 January 2009. It was answered by Shahid Malik (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisoners: Bullying

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what measures are in place to prevent bullying of prisoners by other inmates.

Answer: Since 2004, every public sector prison has been required to have in place a local violence reduction strategy. From mid 2007 this policy has been applied to both the public sector and contracted estate. Under the strategy each prison is required to undertake regular analysis of any problem areas, consider solutions and provide an action plan to improve personal safety and reduce violence. All closed establishments are required to undertake a cell-sharing risk assessment to inform cell allocation. The violence reduction strategy is>due to be reviewed during 2009.

Secondary information