News / Society

Bristol Prison suicides at all time high

By Bristol24/7  Monday Nov 28, 2016

Suicide rates at Bristol Prison are some of the highest in the UK, with four inmates taking their own lives so far this year at the Horfield jail.

More than 100 people have committed suicide behind bars in 2016 across the country, two prisons charities have said. This is an all-time high.

The charities are blaming the spending cuts, staffing cuts and prison overcrowding which they say are leading to more violent, unsafe jails.

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Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The number of people dying by suicide in prison has reached epidemic proportions.

“No one should be so desperate while in the care of the state that they take their own life, and yet every three days a family is told that a loved one has died behind bars.

“Cutting staff and prison budgets while allowing the number of people behind bars to grow unchecked has created a toxic mix of violence, death and human misery.”

 

Read more: Powerful documentary on life behind the wall

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