Non-fatal self-harm in western Australian prisons: Who, where, when and why

One hundred and eight non-fatal self-harm incidents that occurred in the We stern Australian prison system over a nine-month period were examined. Desc riptive data pertaining to these incidents and the 91 prisoners who enacted them are presented. Self-report data pertaining to motives for self-harmin g, precipitating factors and level of suicidal intent are also presented. T he data are consistent with previous international research. Most incidents involved lacerations of low lethality (although 15% were attempted hanging s) and occurred in the prisoner's cell when alone and within a secure priso n. Self-report data indicated that prison stressors precipitated most incid ents with the motive being to obtain relief from psychological distress. A high level of suicidal intent was reported for one in three incidents. Cate gories of prisoner at greater risk of self-harm included females, remandees , 18 to 25 year olds, those in special placements (disciplinary, medical, p rotection) and those in custody for less than one month.