"Dramatic Development": Rising Suicide Rate in Domestic Prisons

The Ombudsman is concerned about the suicide rate in domestic prisons. The Ombudswoman responsible for the penal system, Gabriela Schwarz (ÖVP), speaks of a "dramatic development." Since the beginning of the year, no fewer than 40 attempted and actual suicide cases have been recorded, Schwarz noted on Wednesday on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day. Most recently, an inmate of the Stein prison committed suicide this week.

Detention conditions partly responsible for suicide rate

According to the Ministry of Justice, there have been seven suicides and 24 attempts so far this year, "which would have resulted in death without the intervention of staff and were therefore classified as life-threatening," as stated in a statement sent to APA. "The Ministry of Justice and the responsible General Directorate for the Penal System take the issue of suicide and suicide prevention in detention very seriously. Every incident is concerning, and we are continuously working to recognize signs early and support people in psychological distress, even within the framework of deprivation of liberty measures," it was emphasized.

The Ombudsman attributes the suicide rate to the "often precarious detention conditions." "In retrospect, many inmates who have harmed themselves state that it would have helped them if they had someone to talk to," reported Schwarz. High occupancy rates and too few staff are everyday occurrences in the penal system. This leads to poor care conditions, hindered resocialization, and increasing suicide numbers.

Josefstadt prison with the most suicide cases

That most suicide cases this year were recorded in the Josefstadt prison is not surprising, as it is the largest prison in the country, struggling with overcrowding and staff shortages. In the penal system, something fundamentally needs to happen quickly to improve conditions for inmates and staff. This is about human lives," appealed Schwarz.

Suicide cases quintupled since 2019, suggestions ignored

The attempted and actual suicide cases in the penal system have almost quintupled since 2019, according to the Ombudsman. "While there were a total of 13 cases in 2019, there were 60 cases last year. These numbers should alarm us all," Schwarz pointed out. According to the Ministry of Justice's count, which only includes "life-threatening" attempts, there were twelve suicides and 22 attempts in 2024. A second assessment of the suicide risk after incarceration is urgently needed, emphasized Ombudswoman Schwarz: "For years, I have been demanding an improvement in the suicide prevention of prisoners. This includes a second assessment of the suicide risk after the first eight to twelve weeks in custody."

An expert group, with the participation of the Ombudsman, presented 48 recommendations in 2023 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice to reduce the suicide risk in prisons. "There are enough improvement suggestions on the table. Nothing has happened so far," lamented Schwarz.

Ministry of Justice rejects accusations

The Ministry of Justice does not accept this and refers to the expert group on suicide prevention in the penal system that has existed since 2011. This group continuously evaluates risky settings and vulnerable groups with special care needs based on the analysis of past suicides and suicide attempts and derives conclusions for the design of detention facilities, necessary care measures, and the requirements for personnel, it was stated on Wednesday afternoon.

Moreover, nationwide suicide prevention training for night shift commanders was conducted last year: "The perception of signs, the recognition of these incidents, and the implementation of further steps were trained. Due to this sensitization measure, suicide attempts are recognized more often as such and documented accordingly, which is reflected in the numbers." Additionally, there are regularly interdisciplinary suicide prevention training sessions and cross-service indoor training.

"Since the turn of the millennium, it has been possible to achieve a significant reduction in suicide numbers. During this period, a whole series of prevention efforts were made, particularly training and further education of employees in the penal institutions and forensic-therapeutic centers," the ministry concluded.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.