This is disturbing
October 23, 2012 | 4 Comments
Apparently, we are seeing a stark increase in the number of inmates who are self-harming:
The federal correctional investigator says the number of prisoners harming themselves in federal penitentiaries has almost tripled in the last five years.
The annual report from Howard Sapers says aboriginal offenders and women are most likely to abuse themselves by cutting, self strangulation, head-banging, burning and ingesting harmful objects or substances.
And Mr. Sapers says Corrections Canada continues to treat such incidents as security problems and not as mental-health issues.
I will probably write more about this later. For now, I’ll just say that this is a great shame that we all wear.
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4 Responses to “This is disturbing”
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October 23rd, 2012 @ 4:12 pm
I know nothing about the actual facts. However, that is a massive increase. Is it a real increase? Or a the result of statistical reporting or collection changes?
If it is real, is it possible that there is something in the system that creates an incentive to self harm?
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Jonathan McLeod Reply:
October 23rd, 2012 at 4:34 pm
I think those are the key questions.
At the very least, I think the observation that self-harm is treated more as a security issue, rather than a health issue is a definite problem.
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October 24th, 2012 @ 5:37 am
Thanks for dropping in to give us a heads-up about the shame and responsibility we all bear for this, Jonathan. I can hardly wait for you to tell us why.
“Hear, O Israel, thou hast sinned. I’m too busy to tell you how right now, but I’ll get back to you.”
[Reply]
Jonathan McLeod Reply:
October 24th, 2012 at 7:09 am
No problem, buddy!
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