The number of reported self-inflicted deaths has reached 29 so far this year (to 6 April 2014). This is almost three times the number over the same period last year: from 1 January 2013 – 6 April 2013 there were 11 self inflicted deaths in prison.
Since October 2013, when only 1 self-inflicted death was reported, there have been 50 self-inflicted deaths in prison in total. There were 23 over the same period one year ago.
INQUEST would like to know whether recent government changes to treatment of prisoners and funding cuts could be at the root of the sharp increase in numbers.
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:
“Prisoners are dying in shocking numbers and it is time to find out why. We are seriously concerned whether harsher regimes introduced by the Justice Secretary on 1 November are having a devastating impact.
“The government must act urgently to examine what has caused such an alarming rise.”
Ends
Statistics on deaths in prison
Serious Rise In Number Of Self-inflicted Prison Deaths: Toll Reaches 29 So Far This Year
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The number of reported self-inflicted deaths has reached 29 so far this year (to 6 April 2014). This is almost three times the number over the same period last year: from 1 January 2013 – 6 April 2013 there were 11 self inflicted deaths in prison.
Since October 2013, when only 1 self-inflicted death was reported, there have been 50 self-inflicted deaths in prison in total. There were 23 over the same period one year ago.
INQUEST would like to know whether recent government changes to treatment of prisoners and funding cuts could be at the root of the sharp increase in numbers.
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:
“Prisoners are dying in shocking numbers and it is time to find out why. We are seriously concerned whether harsher regimes introduced by the Justice Secretary on 1 November are having a devastating impact.
“The government must act urgently to examine what has caused such an alarming rise.”
Ends
Statistics on deaths in prison
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