Sainsbury Centre responds to Howard League survey of prison violence

18 May 2009

Responding to figures published today by the Howard League for Penal Reform on rising levels of violence and self-harm in prison, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health chief executive Angela Greatley said:

"Today's new figures show once again how important it is we take action to improve the mental health of prisoners and to find alternatives to custody for offenders who do not need to be locked up. Even a short spell in prison can be disastrous, especially for women and young people. Diverting those who have offended to robust community sanctions with effective mental health support can make all the difference to them and their families and make our communities safer.

"For those offenders who do need to be in custody, we need much better provision of mental health care inside and speedier access to hospital beds for those in a crisis. We call on the Government to take urgent action to improve the mental health of prisoners and to stop imprisoning those who can be better managed outside."