Rates of self-harming in prisons have increased by more than a third in the last four years, a charity has warned.
Rates of self-harming in prisons are increasing, a charity has warned.
The Howard League for Penal Reform said there were 16,393 incidents of self-harm in jails in England and Wales in 2003, as against 22,459 last year.
The Howard League for Penal Reform said there were 22,459 self-harm incidents in jails in England and Wales last year, up from 16,393 in 2003.
It says the 37% rise is four times the rate of the prison population increase for the same period.
It found the 37% rise in four years outstripped the rate of increase in the prison population by four times.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the rise was due to the introduction of a more "robust reporting system".
But a Ministry of Justice spokesman said the rise was due to a new system which meant incidents were now more accurately recorded.
'Overcrowded prisons'
'Overcrowded prisons'
Howard League director Frances Crook said "the shocking rise is far above what might be expected", as increasing numbers of people with mental health problems and addictions were sent to overcrowded prisons and did not receive proper treatment.
Howard League director Frances Crook put the rise down to the "overuse" of prison and overcrowding as a result.
"When men, women and children in jail cut themselves and otherwise assault their own bodies, it is not a cry for help. It is a scream," she said.
She said: "I cannot stress enough that the level of distress inside prisons is so great and we cannot get these people transferred to mental health facilities.
"When men, women and children in jail cut themselves and otherwise assault their own bodies, it is not a cry for help. It is a scream.
One per cent of prisoners are responsible for 25% of all self-harm incidents in the prison estate Ministry of Justice spokesman
One per cent of prisoners are responsible for 25% of all self-harm incidents in the prison estate Ministry of Justice spokesman
"Warehoused temporarily in prison, many individuals are then released, only to reoffend and be returned to custody.
"Warehoused temporarily in prison, many individuals are then released, only to reoffend and be returned to custody.
"Rotting in the chaos and squalor of overcrowded prisons simply serves to exacerbate problems and will most likely lead to more serious and frequent reoffending on release."
"Rotting in the chaos and squalor of overcrowded prisons simply serves to exacerbate problems and will most likely lead to more serious and frequent reoffending on release."
As of Friday 11 April, the prison population was 82,003. The Prison Service's "useable operational capacity" was said to be 82,545.
As of Friday 11 April, the prison population was 82,003. The Prison Service's "useable operational capacity" was said to be 82,545.
Self-injury rates among women inmates have shown the largest increase, with a 48% rise in recorded incidents between 2003 and 2007, according to the Howard League.
Self-injury rates among women inmates showed the largest increase, with a 48% rise in recorded incidents between 2003 and 2007, according to the Howard League.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the "significant" increase in the number of self-harm cases can be attributed to a more accurate recording of incidents.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the "significant" increase in the number of self-harm cases can be attributed to a more accurate recording of incidents.
"One per cent of prisoners are responsible for 25% of all self-harm incidents in the prison estate," he said.
"One per cent of prisoners are responsible for 25% of all self-harm incidents in the prison estate," he said.
"The transfer or release of a number of prolific self-harmers can skew the figures enormously."
"The transfer or release of a number of prolific self-harmers can skew the figures enormously."
He added that the Prison Service was working with all jails and the Department of Health to reduce the number of cases.
He added that the Prison Service was working with all jails and the Department of Health to reduce the number of cases.
Have you been in prison and seen others self harm? Have you seen evidence of self harm on relatives or friends who have been in jail? Have you been tempted to self harm whilst in prison? Tell us your thoughts.
Have you been in prison and seen others self harm? Have you seen evidence of self harm on relatives or friends who have been in jail? Have you been tempted to self harm whilst in prison? Tell us your thoughts.
