2024-11-12 13:22:00
Ten times more people commit suicide in prison than outside, according to the International Prison Observatory (OIP). The latest issue of Inside Outside questions this shocking reality and gives a voice to the first people concerned, the prisoners, their loved ones and the professionals – caregivers or members of the prison staff.
“In France, a detained person commits suicide every two or three days”points out the French section of the National Prison Observatory (OIP) in this issue. The prison administration counted 149 suicides within the walls last year, four of which concerned minors.
Figures which, compared to the prison population, are among the highest in Europe. And which hide others, each more alarming than the other: 2,644 “self-aggressive acts » recorded in prison in 2023; a risk of suicide multiplied by twenty in the disciplinary unit, by seven in the isolation unit… The accumulation of these tragedies reverberates throughout the detention, and poses as many painful questions. Those of loved ones, who often have to struggle to obtain answers. And those posed by the pervasiveness of such despair within the prison system.
To explore this difficult theme, this issue of Inside Outside gives a voice to the first people concerned: detained people, their loved ones and professionals – caregivers or members of prison staff. But also to the epidemiologist Alexis Vanhaesebroucke, whose research sheds light on the reality of suicide in prison based on data of unprecedented exhaustiveness. The journal also investigates juvenile suicide. It traces the story of two captive lives interrupted too soon, those of Paul and Karima. It examines the various prevention measures put in place by the administration and the limits they come up against: lack of human resources, primacy of security logic, penal policies which increasingly fill prisons without taking into account the state of the people detained. in question… It is difficult to implement an ambitious suicide prevention policy without completely changing the paradigm on detention.
Summary :
Ten times more suicides in prison than outside He testifies: “A painful reminder of the harshness of the prison world” He testifies: “My children weighed heavily in the scales” Decryption: Preventing suicide in prison: the quadrature of the circle Decryptions: Emergency measures: preventing the suicidal gesture without treating the causes Taue story: Paul’s suicide, a predicted catastrophe Interview: “In the disciplinary unit, the risk of suicide is multiplied by twenty” Investigation: Incarcerated minors, minors in danger Investigation: Relatives alone with their questions She testifies: “My son was left to die in enormous moral suffering” Before the judge: Karima, a life hanging on a “key word”
• Ten times more suicides in prison than outside: unspeakable tragedies, pressing questions, Inside Out, n°124, Find out more, order:
1731471871
#Suicide #prison #prevention #means
**Interview with Dr. Claire Dubois, Mental Health Expert and Contributor to *Inside Outside***
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dubois. Your insights in the latest issue of *Inside Outside* shed light on a very serious issue: the alarming rate of suicide among prisoners in France. Can you explain why you think these numbers are so high?
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. The statistics are indeed stark. One major factor is the environment within prisons, which is often harsh and isolating. The feeling of hopelessness can be exacerbated by prolonged periods of confinement, especially in disciplinary or isolation units, where the risk of self-harm increases significantly. Additionally, many inmates deal with pre-existing mental health conditions that go untreated due to a lack of resources and support.
**Editor:** That’s incredibly troubling. You mention in your piece that a detained person commits suicide every two or three days in France. What impact does this have on the overall prison population?
**Dr. Dubois:** The impact is profound. Each suicide reverberates through the prison community, creating an atmosphere of despair. It also leads to increased tension and fear among inmates. Loved ones are left grappling with grief and despair, often feeling powerless in the face of systemic issues. Our piece highlights the voices of these individuals to emphasize that these are not just statistics—they are real people suffering and families torn apart.
**Editor:** The issue also touches on how caregivers and prison staff are affected by these tragedies. Can you elaborate on their perspectives?
**Dr. Dubois:** Absolutely. Caregivers and prison staff often face emotional burnout when frequently encountering such tragedies. They express a profound sense of desperation as well, feeling ill-equipped to provide the necessary support for inmates struggling with suicidal thoughts. There is a call for better training and resources to help them effectively manage these situations, as they play a crucial role in the mental health support system within prisons.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a pressing need for systemic reform. What changes do you believe should be prioritized to address this crisis?
**Dr. Dubois:** Definitely. First, there should be an increase in mental health services within prisons, including access to therapy and regular mental health assessments. Additionally, creating a more supportive environment that fosters communication and connection among inmates could alleviate some feelings of isolation. Lastly, we need policies that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment to ensure that inmates have the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Dubois, for shedding light on this complex issue. Your research is crucial in advocating for the changes that are desperately needed within the prison system.
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for covering this important topic. It’s vital we continue to have these conversations and push for the change needed to protect these individuals.
