The research, led by Glasgow University and published in The Lancet Psychiatry, involved researchers assessing 109 women from four prisons across Scotland. The researchers found that of the sample (which was considered to represent all women in prisons across Scotland), in addition to over three quarters having a self-reported significant head injury, 40% also had associated disability.
Repeated head injury was reported by two thirds of the women, with histories of domestic abuse being the most common cause.
Women with a history of head injury were found to be more likely to have a history of violent offences than those without. They were also found to have spent three times longer in prison than women with no head injury.
The researchers raised the importance of introducing measures such as screening throughout the criminal justice system and specialist support to women in prison.
To access the full paper, visit The Lancet Psychiatry.
Reference: McMillan, T.M., Aslam, H., Crowe, E., Seddon, E., & Barry, S.J.E. (2021). Associations between significant head injury and persisting disability and violent crime in women in prison in Scotland, UK: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(6), 512-520.
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