Violence and the fear of violence can have a major impact on the quality of life in prisons. Everyone in prison has the right to feel safe and to be able to visit, live and work, free from fear of violence, threatening behaviour, intimidation or bullying.
Prisons have a responsibility to keep prisoners and staff safe and everyone in prison has a responsibility and role to play in helping to reduce violence.
The Prison Service Violence Reduction Strategy requires all establishments to undertake a regular analysis of their problem areas, consider solutions and make plans to improve personal safety and reduce violence.
The strategy defines violence as:
"Any incident in which a person is, abused, threatened, or assaulted. This includes an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being or health. The resulting harm may be physical, emotional or psychological."
It requires prisons to foster a culture of non-violence, equality and respect for difference and to promote conditions which reduce conflict and aggression.
Concerns regarding a violent incident, including bullying and anti-social behaviour, can be reported to any member of staff including personal officers or the Violence Reduction Co-ordinator. Many establishments have also set up safer custody helplines which can be used by staff, prisoners and their families and friends to report concerns.
