Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
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The extreme stresses of detention can lead some people to self-harm, to experience suicidal thoughts or to end their lives. The charity INQUEST collates information on deaths in immigration custody. Their research identified 18 self-inflicted deaths that have occurred in IRCs from 2000-2024 and 13 for people held under immigration powers in prisons within the same timeframe.[1]
Some people enter detention with a prior history of self-harm or suicidal thinking, which is exacerbated by their incarceration and the threat of deportation or removal. Self-harming and suicide risk is very likely to be adversely impacted by the nature of the detained environment. This includes poor continuity of care and there appears to be little consideration given to the need for clinicians to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship with patients to facilitate the disclosure of psychological symptoms including self-harming and suicidal thoughts and intent. People can find suicidal thinking and self-harming behaviours difficult to talk about with anyone, but especially to medical professionals or detention centre staff who they mistrust[2].
[1] (information as at 9/1/25)
[2] Medical Justice Harmed Not Heard
