Overcrowded prisons lead to an alarming surge in sexual assaults and self-harm among female inmates
In a concerning development, the number of assaults and self-harm incidents in UK women's prisons has been on the rise, creating a highly unsafe environment for female inmates.
According to recent data, assault rates in female prisons increased by 6% to 2,041 incidents in the 12 months to March 2025, with the assault rate at its highest recorded level at 573 incidents per 1,000 prisoners[1]. This is significantly higher than the rate in male prisons since March 2019[1].
The increase in violence is not limited to physical assaults. The number of sexual assaults in women's prisons nearly doubled last year, with 54 incidents reported in 2023, up from 27 in 2022[6]. These assaults are part of a broader rise in violence, compounded by rising levels of self-harm, now more than eight times higher in women's prisons than the male estate[4].
Causes
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. Overcrowding and understaffing in prisons can escalate tensions and reduce supervision, facilitating assaults. Women in prison often have high levels of trauma, mental illness, and substance misuse, which can contribute to volatile environments[4].
Additionally, the increasing number of foreign nationals and sex offenders in the prison population can adversely affect safety dynamics in prisons[2][5]. Existing prison systems may lack adequate policies or resources for effective prevention and quick intervention in sexual violence cases.
Impact
The rise in assaults, including sexual violence, creates a highly unsafe environment for women prisoners, compounding trauma and mental health problems. These conditions worsen self-harm rates, which have risen by 6% in the year to March 2025 and remain drastically higher than in male prisons[4]. Staff safety is also compromised with assaults on prison staff increasing recently[3].
The overall safety crisis diminishes rehabilitation prospects and increases recidivism risks, undermining prison reform goals.
Potential Solutions for Reform
Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhanced staffing and training, improved prisoner segregation and monitoring, mental health and trauma support, review and reform of sentencing and recalls, strengthening reporting mechanisms and accountability, and targeted support for foreign-national offenders are all crucial elements of a comprehensive solution[1][4][5].
It's important to note that many women in the criminal justice system have dealt with childhood trauma, mental health problems, or homelessness. Since 2010, nearly 10,700 prison places have been closed, and the majority of women who are being incarcerated have committed non-violent crimes, with around 72% doing so in 2020[7].
Around two-thirds of women in the criminal justice system have experienced domestic abuse[8]. Seventy percent of prison sentences given to women were for less than 12 months[9]. Self-harm incidents in prisons almost reached 20,000 last year[10].
These statistics underscore the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to the criminal justice system, one that acknowledges the complexities of the women it serves and seeks to provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
References:
[1] BBC News (2025). Women's prisons: 'Unacceptable' rise in self-harm and assault. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61366857
[2] The Guardian (2023). Rise in foreign sex offenders in UK prisons 'puts women at risk'. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/nov/24/rise-in-foreign-sex-offenders-in-uk-prisons-puts-women-at-risk
[3] The Independent (2024). Assaults on prison staff: Record number of attacks in England and Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/assaults-on-prison-staff-record-number-of-attacks-in-england-and-wales-b982684.html
[4] Prison Reform Trust (2025). Women in prison: Statistics. [online] Available at: https://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/resource/women-in-prison-statistics
[5] The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (2024). Annual report 2023/24. [online] Available at: https://www.ppa.gov.uk/annual-report-2023-24/
[6] Ministry of Justice (2024). Assaults in prisons in England and Wales: Quarterly update to December 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assaults-in-prisons-england-and-wales-quarterly-update-to-december-2023
[7] The Guardian (2021). Prisons in England and Wales to close nearly 10,000 places by 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/12/prisons-in-england-and-wales-to-close-nearly-10000-places-by-2025
[8] Women's Aid (2020). Domestic abuse and the criminal justice system. [online] Available at: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/the-impact-of-domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
[9] Ministry of Justice (2021). Sentencing Survey 2020. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sentencing-survey-2020
[10] The Guardian (2022). Self-harm in prisons hits record high as numbers of women jailed soar. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/16/self-harm-in-prisons-hits-record-high-as-numbers-of-women-jailed-soar
- The disturbing trend of rising assaults in UK women's prisons has also been accompanied by an increase in general-news stories, as the public and political spheres grapple with addressing these concerns.
- In light of the escalating crime-and-justice issues within women's prisons, there is a critical need for comprehensive reform to prioritize the wellbeing of female inmates and promote a safer environment.
