Levels of self-harm reach a “new peak” in women’s prisons – Women in Prison respond

31 July 2025

The Ministry of Justice’s most recent publication of its quarterly Safety in Custody statistics show new record levels of self-harm among women in prison. The update shows:

  • A 6% increase in the rate of self-harm in women’s prisons in the 12 months to March 2025
  • The rate of self-harm in women’s prisons is eight times the rate in men’s prisons
  • One in three women in prison are self-harming (“326 self-harming individuals per 1,000 prisoners”)

Sonya Ruparel, CEO of Women in Prison responded:

“Self-harm in women’s prisons has remained at deeply concerning levels for far too long.

We cannot continue to accept self-harm as a routine part of women’s experience in prison. It is a warning sign of an unsafe system and must be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.

What we are seeing is a persistent mental health crisis across the women’s estate, with many seriously unwell women in great need of support. Far too often, women are imprisoned instead of receiving the care they require in the community.

While some women are labelled ‘prolific self-harmers,’ this is not an isolated issue. One in three women in prison are self-harming, demonstrating that this is a widespread and deeply alarming sign of distress.

Too often, women are criminalised for being survivors of abuse and for experiencing poverty and mental ill-health. Prison does not and cannot provide the support they need. In many cases, it makes things worse.

The government must urgently follow through on its commitment to reduce the women’s prison population through the Women’s Justice Board strategy – due later in 2025 - and invest in holistic, community-based support that keeps women safe, supported and connected.”

Maria, a woman with lived experience of prison, shared her personal experience:

“One particular low point for me [in prison] was the afternoon I spent cleaning blood off the toilet walls following a violent act of self-harm by another inmate. Not a rare occurrence in any women’s prison. The disturbing thing is just how quickly both staff and prisoners come to accept such acts as ‘business as usual’.”

ENDS

Notes to editors
  • Women in Prison is a national charity that delivers support for women affected by the criminal justice system in prisons, in the community and through our Women's Centres. We campaign to end the harm caused to women, their families and our communities by imprisonment
  • Ministry of Justice released its quarterly Safety in Custody statistics 31st July 2025