SUICIDE AND CUSTODY

Custodial settings are recognized as an important context both with re spect to suicide and self-harm and for HIV prevention and care. This a rticle examines briefly what is known about suicide and self ham in re lation to custody, emphasizing the increased risk of suicide and self- harm with suicidal intent among certain subgroups within the custodial population. Subsequently the discussion focuses on the current lack o f information as regards HIV prevalence in custodial settings and on H IV related policy and practice in custody. The writer attempts to draw out the implications for HIV related suicide in custody, arguing for a rethinking of traditional approaches to suicide in the light of the new stresses arising from the advent of HIV and AIDS in custody.