Prison suicide in female detainees in Germany 2000-2013

Specific risk factors for suicide among female prisoners were examined using an exhaustive sample of all suicides in German prisons between 2000 and 2013. The rate of prison suicide was lower among female (53,5/100,000) than among male prisoners (101/100,000). Differences between the genders regarding the various risk factors for prison suicide are few. Significant differences were observed only for bullying among men and higher percentages of drug withdrawal syndrome among women. Factors specific to the prison setting that contribute to suicide risk in incarcerated women should be examined.