IndexBackgroundTypes of violence between prisonersCauses of violence between prisonersDemographics of the aggressor and victimsConsequences of prison violence on victimsInterventions to reduce violence between prisonersConclusionBackgroundViolence between prisoners has been a fundamental and worrying problem in prisons. It can cause considerable harm, both physical and psychological (HM Prison and Probation Service, 2018). Many prisoners are regularly physically and sexually assaulted, threatened or harassed. The physical safety of some prisoners (especially convicted sex offenders) can only be achieved 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In 2017 there were more than 140,000 prison admissions in England and Wales. This number was the highest in Western Europe (Prison Reform Trust, 2019 ). Demographic data shows that of these, around 18,405 assaults were recorded in public prisons in England and Wales in 2017. This figure had increased by 10% since 2016 (16,782 recorded assaults). From 2000 (only 4,891 prison assaults) to 2017, overall it increased by approximately 276% (Gov Website, 2019). One study found that small and medium-sized facilities had higher rates of physical violence between prisoners. Types of Violence Between Prisoners Violence between prisoners comes in many different forms, the main one being physical violence. This includes fighting and beatings between prisoners leading to personal injury and, in some cases, death. Furthermore, psychological harm such as threats and bullying which can lead to self-harm or suicide may also be taken into account. Finally, one of the most common types that occurs, and is a persistent problem within prisons, is sexual violence (Scraton & McCulloch, 2009). Key findings produced by an analytical summary present findings on 1,742 alleged sexual assaults reported in prisons across England and Wales between 2002 and 2014: 20% of assaults reported as sexual included physical contact, but not genital or groin contact . sexual assault involved genital or groin contact by both parties and was considered assault. Eleven percent 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 had also found that, using self-report questionnaires, a total of 433 women and men who were incarcerated at the time had experienced sexual coercion. Men reported that the perpetrators of the worst incidents were prisoners (72%). On the other hand, women reported that 47% of offenders were prisoners. A greater percentage of men (70%) than women (29%) reported that their incident resulted in oral, vaginal, or anal sex (Struckman-Johnson & Struckman-Johnson, 2006). Causes of violence between prisonersThe causes vary at the environmental and individual level. For example, many individuals may have a tendency toward violence, meaning they are more likely to attack, start a fight, or fight back if provoked. On the other hand, environmental factors come into play that can contribute to the cause of violence between prisoners. Most of the literature on violent behavior among prisoners tends to focus on only one level of analysis, resulting in the importance of the prison context on prisoner behavior being commonly ignored (Lahm, 2008). If their environment, such as a cell, is unkempt, unsanitary, dirty and small. This can do sothat people feel neglected and many may react by becoming violent towards others. Some other causes can be: the acceptance of violence as a solution to problems or as a way to gain 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 from the use of drugs and in cases where prisoners may want to act violently towards a member of prison staff but do not have the opportunity to do so and, as a result, tend to take it out on another prisoner (HM Prison and Probation service, 2018). Offender and Victim DemographicsEthnicityBetween In the years 2012 and 2017, the rate of assaults increased per 1,000 prisoners across all ethnic groups. The overall rate of attackers has doubled in this period (Gov Website, 2019). According to official statistics, the ethnic group that recorded the highest number of attackers between men and women in 2017 was white, with 11,207 attacks recorded (10,442 in 2016 – increase of 7.33%). This is followed by Black or Black British ethnic groups with a figure of 4,050 assaults recorded in 2017 (3,549 in 2016 – 14.12% increase) (HM Prison and Probation Service annual prison equalities report, 2018). The trend was also similar for male and female victims. There were approximately 9,231 victims of white ethnic groups in 2017 (8,493 in 2016 – increase of 8.69%) followed by victims of black or black British ethnic groups with a figure of 1,758 in 2017 (1,604 in 2016 – increase of 9.8%). %) (HM Prison and Probation Service). annual report on equal opportunities for offenders, 2018). Gender 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 – 9.27% ​​increase). On the other hand, the number of female offenders was 800 in 2017 (670 in 2017 – 19.4% increase) (HM Prison and Probation Service offender equality annual report, 2018). In 2017, there were 12,532 male victims (11,587 in 2016 – (increase of 8.16%) compared to 483 female victims in 2017 (354 in 2016 – increase of 36.44%) (annual report on equality of offenders from HM Prison and Probation Service, 2018). Age Statistics relating to the age of offenders and of the victims are shown for men and women in general. In 2017, 4,188 attackers were between the ages of 30 and 39 (3,648 in 2016 – 15% increase). (HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Offender Equality Report, 2018). targeted were those aged 30 to 39 (3,623). This, however, was then followed by the second most targeted group, those aged 25 to 29 (HM Prison and Offending Annual Equal Opportunities Report). Probation Service, 2018). Consequences of prison violence on victims The effects of incarceration can be extremely profound, even if one is not directly victimized while in prison. Evidence suggests that being immersed in a society where violence is considered the norm can have negative and harmful effects mentally, physically and emotionally and can even result in death for some. The effects can be both short- and long-term and can even influence the reintegration of prisoners once released into the community. This not only affects the prisoner, but can also extend to their family, friends, community and society as a whole (Levan, 2016). One study found that out of a total of 382 male inmates and 51 female inmates, both men and women weresimilar in experiencing depression. Additionally, 37% of men and 11% of women reported suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts following sexual coercion by other inmates (Struckman-Johnson & Struckman-Johnson, 2006). Additionally, another study found that sexual violence among prisoners can cause a variety of health problems, such as the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as trauma for victims. It goes on to explain that from a public health perspective, the number of potential victims who are susceptible to HIV and other health and mental health problems as a result of prison violence is “staggering” (Wolff, Blitz , Shi, Bachman & Siegel, 2006). Interventions to reduce violence among prisoners Knowledge about violence and “bullying” among prisoners can be increased by studying the behavior of prisoners. Furthermore, knowledge about victims of bullying and how to protect them, as well as how to improve prison safety can be useful in creating interventions to reduce violence between prisoners (Connell & Farrington, 1996). A fairly common way to reduce violence between prisoners is to strengthen restrictions, such as solitary confinement and segregation for offenders. This method can be effective as it keeps preparers away from any potential victims; However, this could also lead to a loss of legitimacy which can increase violence (Bottoms, 1999). Environmental InterventionsRecently, the focus on correctional treatment programs for prison misconduct has shifted to focus more on situational factors in prison that may impact institutional violence. (Byrne & Hummer, 2008; Gadon, Johnstone & Cooke, 2006). A prison cell is where inmates spend most of their time. As mentioned in the "causes of prisoner-on-prisoner violence" section, those who feel neglected and who may be living in dirty, degrading, and unsanitary conditions may take revenge on their fellow prisoners. The introduction of renovation works in prisons (mainly in cells), such as new beds, toilets, painting of walls to provide some aesthetic satisfaction, etc., could be an important step towards reducing violence between prisoners. It is common for prison cells to be dirty and full of blood, body fluids, and vomit; Therefore, thorough cleaning of cells at least 2 times a week can be essential for the hygienic safety of prisoners. This ties in well with the problem of overcrowding. This usually occurs when two or more prisoners are held in a cell designed to hold one (Harvey, 2018). Building larger prison cells that can hold more than a single prisoner and building more prisons across the UK in a bid to reduce overcrowding can have a positive effect. indirect positive influence on any fights or bullying that occurs in prisons. This can also be done by placing greater focus on those who are at highest risk for violent behavior rather than focusing on minor crimes, such as minor drug-related crimes (American Psychological Society, 2009). Individual interventions Psychoeducational programs to reduce violence between prisoners are those that have existed for many decades. The effectiveness of this approach and others has been examined. Three different types of programs have been identified as the most influential and useful in reducing violent behavior in prisons in general, but can also be used to reduce violence towards other prisoners (Auty, Cope & Liebling, 2017): Social learning interventions – involves cognitive reconstruction (a process involving a psychologist who helps the individual to take, 2009).