Prison System Crisis: Record Highs in Violence and Self-Harm

New figures reveal alarming increases in assaults and self-harm incidents in England and Wales prisons, highlighting systemic failures.

Attacks on prison staff have jumped 30% to over 10,000 incidents in the past year, marking the highest level since 2003.
Serious assaults on staff requiring medical treatment have also risen by 24%, with 974 cases recorded.
Prisoner self-harm incidents have reached a record high with over 76,000 cases, a 19% increase from the previous year.
The overcrowding crisis has led to emergency early releases and highlights the need for urgent reforms in the prison system.
Prison officials and reform advocates emphasize the need for increased resources and systemic changes to address mental health and safety issues.