Prison violence: Perspectives and epidemiology

Abstract

Violent crime receives considerable media attention. Its importance to the community is such that it is used as a yardstick against which to judge the effectiveness of social policy and the performance of governments. Programs and interventions to reduce violence and its consequences are needed given the level of community concern and the impact violence has on both the victim and society. Many of those who commit violent crimes receive custodial sentences and spend prolonged periods behind bars. Violence in prison presents a challenge to custodial authorities because of the risk of injury to prisoners and staff, and the impact violence has on the provision of services, staffing, contact between inmates, and rehabilitation. In this article we present the rates of violent crime in Australia, NSW and within NSW prisons. We also outline some of the major theories that seek to explain violence in prisons, and discuss the difficulties in recording violence within prisons. Recent findings from the Prison Injury Surveillance Program by Justice Health are also presented.