Citation

de Beaurepaire C, Benezech M. Confrontations Psychiatriques 2008; (47): 191-217.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The question of violence in prison refers to prisoners, to confinement and to social relationships inside prison. Yet, prison itself produces violence. Violence is closely related to the institutional functioning of prison administration and to the criminals, which produce hetero-agressivity between prisoners, violence against warders, suicidai violence, and violence of thé prison administration against prisoners. The question of violence in French prisons is reviewed in the present paper. The importance of mental disorders among prisoners is emphasized (psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adaptation disorders, addiction, and comorbidities). There is a high prevalence of suicides and behavioural disturbances in prison. Warder profession is difficult and dangerous. The roots of violence in prison may originate in paradoxes in criminal justice System, in the rigid and isolated daily prison's life, as well as in socio-cultural characteristics and psychopathology of detainees. Prisoners cumulate insecurity and vulnerability factors which expose them to transgression and agressive acting out.

Language: fr

Keywords

Homicide; Suicide; Violence; Prison; Mental disorders; Prisoner; Guard