Written question asked by Cheryl Gillan (Conservative) on Friday, 26 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 January 2005. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 10 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what factors have been identified as accounting for the increase of self harming incidents in prisons between 1999 and 2003; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors have been identified as accounting for the increase of self harming incidents in prisons between 1999 and 2003; and if he will make a statement. [201028] Paul Goggins: In December 2002 new procedures for reporting self-injury were introduced in prisons in England and Wales. The evidence suggests that much of the increase in reported self-harm in 2003 may result from this change rather than an actual increase in incidence of self-harm. The prison population includes a large number of prisoners with a combination of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug dependency, family background and relationship problems, histories of self-harm and previous abuse, all of which raise their risk of suicide and self-harm. A number of interventions have been introduced to support prisoners who self-harm. These include counselling, support groups, and specialised psychological interventions. A network has been established to develop this work, to facilitate evaluation and share good practice. Guidance to staff on managing people who self-harm has also been circulated to establishments.

Secondary information