Dual harm: an exploration of the presence and characteristics for dual violence and self-harm behaviour in prison

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Slade, K. ORCID: 0000-0002-7442-4805, 2018. Dual harm: an exploration of the presence and characteristics for dual violence and self-harm behaviour in prison. Journal of Criminal Psychology, 8 (2), pp. 97-111. ISSN 2009-3829

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-03-2017-0017

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to quantify the rate of dual-harm behaviour in comparison with sole self-harm or assault rates; with an analysis of the distinguishing features.

Method: Official data on in-prison incidents, demographic and offending information was analysed for two prisons in England.

Results: Proportions of up to 42% of offenders who assault others in prison will also engage in self-harm and vice versa. Dual harm prisoners will engage in a broader and greater frequency of prison incidents than either sole group; with dual-harm prisoners reflecting greater proportions of damage to property and fire setting. Connectedly, dual harm prisoners receive a far higher rate of adjudication. There were no differences in their time in prison, presence of serious violent offences or for the dual harm prisoners whether the first incident was self-harm or violence. An index offence of drug supply was less likely in the dual-harm group, with minor violence slightly more likely in longer sentence prisoners.

Implications: In-prison behaviour can assist in the identification of prisoners at dual-risk of harm. Greater inclusion of in-prison behaviour and awareness of dual-harm in research methodologies may assist in improving risk management. A wider use of joint risk assessment and single case management approach is suggested for prisoners with dual-harm profile.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Criminal Psychology

Creators:

Slade, K.

Publisher:

Emerald

Date:

2018

Volume:

Number: