Table of contentsBackgroundTypes of prisoner-on-prisoner violenceCauses of prisoner-on-prisoner violenceDemographics of perpetrators and victimsConsequences of prison violence on victimsInterventions to reduce prisoner-on-prisoner violenceConclusionContextInterinmate violence is a underlying and worrying problem in prisons. This can cause considerable harm, both physical and psychological (HM Prison and Probation Service, 2018). Many detainees are regularly physically and sexually assaulted, threatened or harassed. The physical safety of some prisoners (particularly sex offenders) can only be ensured by isolating them for their own protection and safety (Levenson, 2000). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay There were more than 140,000 prison admissions in England and Wales in 2017. This number was the highest of Western Europe (Prison Reform Trust, 2019). Demographic data shows that in 2017, around 18,405 assaults were recorded in public prisons in England and Wales. This figure had increased by 10% since 2016 (16,782 attacks recorded). From 2000 (only 4,891 prison assaults) to 2017, this figure has overall increased by around 276% (Government website, 2019). One study found that small to medium-sized facilities have higher rates of inmate-on-inmate physical violence. Types of Inmate Violence Inmate violence takes many different forms, the main one being physical violence. This includes fights between prisoners and beatings that result in bodily injury and, in some cases, death. Additionally, psychological harm such as threats and intimidation that may lead to self-harm or suicide may also be considered. Finally, one of the most common types and a persistent problem in prisons is sexual assault (Scraton and McCulloch, 2009). Key findings from an executive summary present the results of 1,742 alleged sexual assaults reported in prisons in England and Wales between 2002 and 2014: 20% of assaults reported as sexual included physical contact, but not genital or groin contact. 16% of sexual assault involved genital or groin contact of either party and was considered assault. 11% of sexual assaults were reported as rape. This category was more prone to some form of repeat victimization (Sondhi, Hinks, & Smith, 2018). An earlier study also found, using self-report questionnaires, a total of 433 women and men incarcerated at the time had experienced sexual coercion. . Men said the perpetrators of the most serious incidents were inmates (72%). In contrast, women reported that 47% of attackers were inmates. Higher percentages of men (70%) than women (29%) reported that their incident resulted in oral, vaginal, or anal sex (Struckman-Johnson & Struckman-Johnson, 2006). Causes of Inmate Violence The causes vary by environment and individually. For example, many people may have a tendency toward violence, meaning they are more likely to attack, start a fight, or retaliate if provoked. On the other hand, environmental factors come into play and can contribute to inmate-on-inmate violence. Most studies of aggressive behavior between prisoners tend to focusonly on a single level of analysis, which generally leads to ignoring the importance of the prison context on the behavior of prisoners (Lahm, 2008). If their environment, such as a cell, is poorly maintained, unsanitary, dirty and small. This can make people feel neglected and many may retaliate by being violent towards others. Other causes may be: the acceptance of violence as a solution to problems or as a means of gaining status and respect, which then becomes part of the individual's cultural norms. A way to relieve frustrations and boredom due to lack of activity. Consequences of drug use and in cases where prisoners may want to act violently towards a member of prison staff but are unable to do so and, therefore, tend to lash out at a fellow prisoner (HM Prison and Probation service, 2018). Demographics of perpetrators and victims Ethnicity Between Between 2012 and 2017, the rate of assaults increased per 1,000 prisoners across all ethnic groups. The overall rate of attackers doubled during this period (Government Website, 2019). According to official statistics, the ethnicity with the highest number of attackers between men and women was the white ethnic group in 2017, with 11,207 attacks recorded (10,442 in 2016 – increase of 7.33%). Black British ethnic group with a figure of 4,050 assaults recorded in 2017 (3,549 in 2016 – increase of 14.12%) (HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Offender Equality Report, 2018). The pattern was also similar for male and female victims. There were approximately 9,231 casualties. of white ethnicity in 2017 (8,493 in 2016 – increase of 8.69%). This was followed by victims from Black or Black British ethnic groups with a figure of 1,758 in 2017 (1,604 in 2016 – 9.8% increase) (HM Prison and Probation Service). Offender Equality Annual Report, 2018). Gender demographics show that perpetrators are more likely to be men than women. In 2017, the number of assaults involving male attackers was 17,605 (16,112 in 2016 – increase of 9.27%). In contrast, the number of female offenders was 800 in 2017 (670 in 2017 – 19.4% increase) (HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Offender Equality Report, 2018). In 2017, there were 12,532 male victims (11,587 in 2016 – 8.16%), compared to 483 female victims in 2017 (354 in 2016 – increase of 36.44%) (annual equality report of offenders from HM Prison and Probation Service, 2018).AgeStatistics regarding the age of offenders and victims are presented for men and women in general. In 2017, 4,188 attackers were aged 30 to 39 (3,648 in 2016 – an increase of 15%). This is followed by 21-24 year olds (3,995) (HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Offender Equality Report, 2018). The most targeted age group was 30 to 39 years old (3,623). However, this is followed by the second most targeted group, 25-29 year olds (HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Offender Equality Report, 2018). Effects of Prison Violence on Victims The effects of incarceration can be extremely profound, even if one is not directly victimized in prison. Evidence suggests that being immersed in a society where violence is considered the norm can have negative and damaging effects mentally, physically, and emotionally, and can even result in death for some. The effects can be short-term as well as long-term and can even affect the social reintegration of prisoners once released into the community. Not only does this influence the inmate, butcan also extend to one's family, friends, community and society at large (Levan, 2016). One study found that out of a total of 382 male and 51 female inmates, the men and women were similar. while feeling depression. Additionally, 37% of men and 11% of women reported suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts resulting from sexual coercion from fellow inmates (Struckman-Johnson & Struckman-Johnson, 2006). Additionally, another study found that inmate-on-inmate sexual violence can lead to a number of health problems, such as the transmission of STIs, as well as trauma for victims. He goes on to explain that from a public health perspective, the number of potential victims who may contract HIV and other health and mental health problems from prison violence is “staggering” (Wolff, Blitz , Shi, Bachman & Siegel, 2006). Interventions aimed at reducing violence between prisoners. Knowledge of violence and “harassment” among prisoners can be improved by studying prisoner behavior. Additionally, knowledge about victims of harassment and how to protect them, as well as how to improve prison security can be helpful in creating interventions to reduce violence among inmates (Connell and Farrington , 1996). A fairly common way to reduce inmate-on-inmate violence is to increase restrictions, such as isolation and segregation of perpetrators. This method can be effective because it keeps the preparers away from any potential victims; However, it can also lead to a loss of legitimacy that may intensify violence (Bottoms, 1999). Environmental InterventionsRecently, the emphasis on correctional treatment programs for prison misconduct has shifted toward greater pay attention to situational factors in prison that may impact institutional violence. (Byrne and Hummer, 2008; Gadon, Johnstone and Cooke, 2006). A prison cell is where inmates spend most of their time. As mentioned under the heading “causes of prisoner-on-prisoner violence,” those who feel neglected and live in dirty, degrading, and unsanitary conditions may retaliate against their fellow prisoners. Renovation of prisons (mainly cells), such as new beds, toilets, painting walls to provide some aesthetic satisfaction, etc., can be an important step towards reducing violence between prisoners. Prison cells are often dirty and filled with blood, body fluids and vomit; Therefore, thorough cleaning of cells at least twice a week can be essential for the hygienic safety of prisoners. This ties in well with the problem of overpopulation. This typically occurs when two or more prisoners are held in a cell designed to accommodate only one (Harvey, 2018). Building larger prison cells that can hold more than one prisoner and building more prisons across the UK to try to reduce overcrowding may have an impact. indirect positive influence on fighting or bullying that occurs in prisons. This can also be done by paying more attention to those at highest risk for violent behavior rather than focusing on minor offenses, such as minor drug offenses (American Psychological Society, 2009). Individual Interventions Psychoeducational programs aimed at reducing violence between prisoners are one that has existed for many decades. The effectiveness of this approach as well, 2009).