Styal prison: Worrying rise in self-harm incidents

The Howard League for Penal Reform has responded to HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report on Styal prison, published today (Tuesday 18 March).

Inspectors visited the prison, in Cheshire, in December 2024 and found that too many women had been sent there due to a lack of suitable services to help them in the community. Some women spent time in segregation, where dedicated officers were unable to provide the specialist care they needed.

The rate of self-harm had doubled since the last inspection in 2021, and more than 5,200 incidents had been recorded in the past 12 months.

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Almost two decades after the Corston Report called for change, we still read of women, who have been let down in the community, being sent to prison to be let down again.

“With self-harm rising in Styal and other jails, the government must deliver quickly on its commitment to reduce the number of women in prison.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. The inspection report for Styal prison will be available on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website.

Contact

Rob Preece
Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)7714 604955
Email: [email protected]