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Suicide Completion Among Incarcerated Women
Annelise Mennicke1, Kaylyn Daniels1, Cynthia Fraga Rizo2
1School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Mental health and substance use issues, violence, abuse, isolation, and health concerns are key factors in suicide completion among incarcerated women. These challenges were more prevalent in women than in incarcerated men who died by suicide.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Suicide is a significant concern within correctional facilities.
- Limited research exists on the specific factors contributing to suicide completion among incarcerated women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the contributing factors to suicide completion among incarcerated women.
- To compare these factors with those of incarcerated men who died by suicide.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) spanning 2003-2015.
- Analyzed 176 suicide deaths among incarcerated women across 21 states.
- Coded qualitative narratives to identify additional risk factors.
Main Results:
- Mental health challenges and substance use disorders were common circumstances for suicide completion.
- Incarcerated women exhibited higher rates of these issues compared to incarcerated men who died by suicide.
- Women were more frequently victims of violence and abuse.
- Qualitative data indicated isolation and health concerns as additional contributors to suicide risk.
Conclusions:
- Incarcerated women face a complex interplay of mental health, substance use, victimization, isolation, and health concerns contributing to suicide risk.
- These factors highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems for this vulnerable population within correctional settings.