Prison Challenges: Strategies for Reducing Suicide Rates in Correctional Facilities
In the dark walls of our prisons, the lack of support from outside is a cruel irony for those imprisoned, leaving them vulnerable to emotional turmoil. Life behind bars is hard enough, but when an inmate faces challenges without a support system, the struggle becomes unbearable. Fear of violence, loss of control, harsh conditions, and the shame of their actions can drive individuals to the brink.
Since 2000, German prisons have lost 1,794 inmates to suicide - mainly men. Baden-Württemberg, a stark witness to this grim statistic, has seen 89 deaths in the past ten years, all men aged between 17 and 79. The methods varied, with strangulation being the most common. Notably, 12 suicides occurred in 2016, 2021, and 2022.
Prison Stats: Breaking it Down
Suicide risks are elevated for inmates at the beginning of their sentence, young and elderly inmates, inmates in solitary confinement, inmates convicted of sexual or violent offenses, inmates with mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, a history of suicide attempts, and those serving long prison terms.
When the Grim Reaper Prowls
Detention can be an especially stressful period marked by upheaval and uncertainty, raising the suicide risk significantly. According to the Ministry of Justice, detainees who took their own lives were often aged 40 or older, and most did so within three days of their detention. They were often held for manslaughter or sexual offenses.
Catching a Falling Man
To accurately assess suicide risks, a questionnaire-based screening process was introduced statewide in 2022. Immediate screening is crucial, especially in the first hours of incarceration, as any delay could be fatal. Communication with the prisoner and a sensitive, attentive approach are prioritized during this process.
In the Shadow of the Guard
Prison staff are trained to spot risk factors early and prevent suicides. In the event of negligence, they could face criminal charges. In some prisons, camera-monitored cells are used for high-risk individuals. Communal accommodation may also be used as a measure to combat suicidal tendencies, with care taken to select suitable fellow inmates.
When Every Attempt Counts
Prisons in Baden-Württemberg document every suicide attempt and death. From 2014 to 2024, a total of 332 suicide attempts were reported, with the highest number being in 2017 (43 attempts) and the lowest in 2020 (17 attempts).
Minds at Risk
Compared to the general population, prisoners often suffer from psychiatric illnesses or substance abuse, posing a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Therefore, close medical and psychiatric-psychological care for prisoners is essential for suicide prevention.
Inmates: The New Peer Support
In certain prisons, vulnerable prisoners can be paired with experienced inmates in communal accommodation. These chosen companions are trained to handle crisis situations and offer support on equal terms. Projects like the Listener Project in Schwäbisch Hall prison and "Prisoners for Prisoners" in Bruchsal prison implement this approach.
New Horizons for Suicide Prevention
In the new detention facility in Rottweil, specific concepts for architectural and psychosocial suicide prevention can be integrated into the planning and construction phase. The facility will feature suicide prevention rooms, listener cells, tandem cells, and secure detention rooms to support at-risk prisoners. These rooms will be designed to create a positive atmosphere for treatment, reduce anxiety, and provide necessary controls by staff.
In an effort to combat the high suicide rates among inmates, German prisons have started providing mental health care for prisoners, recognizing that those with psychiatric illnesses or substance abuse problems are at a higher risk for suicidal behavior. This care includes a questionnaire-based screening process, communication with prisoners, and pairing vulnerable individuals with trained peer inmates in communal accommodation.
Additionally, new detention facilities are integrating architectural and psychosocial suicide prevention concepts into their design, such as providing suicide prevention rooms, listener cells, tandem cells, and secure detention rooms to support at-risk prisoners and create a positive atmosphere for treatment. This holistic approach aims to reduce anxiety and provide necessary controls by staff.
In line with the health-and-wellness movement, these measures aim to improve the mental health of inmates, addressing the lack of support within the prison system as per the science of mental health and human behavior.
