TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2001//
TI  - Non-fatal self-harm in Western Australian prisons: who, where, when and why
JO  - Australian and New Zealand journal of criminology
A1  - Dear, Greg E.
A1  - Thomson, Donald M.
A1  - Hall, Guy J.
A1  - Howells, Kevin
SP  - 47
EP  - 66
VL  - 34
IS  - 1
N2  - One hundred and eight non-fatal self-harm incidents that occurred in the Western Australian prison system over a nine-month period were examined. Descriptive data pertaining to these incidents and the 91 prisoners who enacted them are presented. Self-report data pertaining to motives for self-harming, precipitating factors and level of suicidal intent are also presented. The data are consistent with previous international research. Most incidents involved lacerations of low lethality (although 15% were attempted hangings) and occurred in the prisoner's cell when alone and within a secure prison. Self-report data indicated that prison stressors precipitated most incidents with the motive being to obtain relief from psychological distress. A high level of suicidal intent was reported for one in three incidents. Categories of prisoner at greater risk of self-harm included females, remandees, 18 to 25 year olds, those in special placements (disciplinary, medical, protection) and those in custody for less than one month.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0004-8658
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/000486580103400104
ID  - ref1
ER  -