Learning from 'near misses': interviews with women who survived an incident of severe self-harm in prison

Abstract

This article describes qualitative research with women survivors of potentially lethal self-harm in prison. In-depth interviews were carried out during 2002/03 with 15 women, (adults and young offenders), from six establishments. The interviews focused on the women's own accounts of the 'near miss' incident, including intentions and motivations, factors leading up to the incident, experiences of care and support, current self-harm and suicidality, and suggestions for prevention. Recommendations include: improvements to the general prison regime; training and support for staff; specialist help for women with histories of abuse, mental illness, or borderline personality disorder; improved support following stressful life events.