All prisoners in England are to be screened for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) sustained through domestic abuse from April 2021, it has been confirmed.
The announcement comes after a long-standing campaign and five years of research to highlight the issue of ABI in the prison system.
This work has shown that early identification of an injury could help those working within the prison estate to better support men and women to engage with rehabilitation programmes and services designed to help prevent reoffending.
The introduction of the new screening process will result in all prisoners being screened for ABI sustained through violence, and the potential inclusion of ABI within the statutory guidance for Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.
The move follows campaigning from The Disabilities Trust, UKABIF and Chris Bryant MP, and has been welcomed as a big step forward in ensuring prisoners with brain injuries can access the support they need.
Research from The Disabilities Trust has shown that nearly half of men (47%) in HMP Leeds and nearly two-thirds of women (64%) at HMP Drake Hall had a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
From the women supported through the Trust’s brain injury service at HMP Drake Hall, 62% reported they had sustained their brain injury through domestic violence.
Recognising brain injury has been a longstanding concern within the prison system, in that whilst physical symptoms may be more obvious, the behavioural, cognitive and emotional consequences – often described as ‘hidden’ – can have profound effects, including poor memory, lack of concentration or difficulties multi-tasking, aggression and irritability, alongside mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression.
Early identification of an injury could help those working within the prison estate to better support men and women to manage these symptoms, the research concluded.
Now, following a meeting with Victoria Atkins MP, Minister for Safeguarding, screening will be introduced early next year.
The announcement has been welcomed by those involved in campaigning for its introduction. Irene Sobowale, chief executive of The Disabilities Trust, said: “The Disabilities Trust is delighted to have succeeded in campaigning to ensure that brain injury sustained through domestic abuse is screened for across the prison estate in England.
“We hope that this change will ensure that prisoners with a brain injury can be provided with effective support to ensure they can engage in rehabilitation programmes and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
“This result builds on research from the Disabilities Trust working with partners and Government to achieve this.”
Chloe Hayward, executive director of UKABIF, said: “We are so pleased that the Minister has made this commitment. It’s testament to the hard work of The Disabilities Trust who have invested in this research and have continued to lobby hard for changes in the law alongside Chris Bryant and UKABIF.
“This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved with collaborative work. The Criminal Justice Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group continues to progress the agenda for people with acquired brain injuries in the Criminal Justice System.”
Jocelyn Gaynor, head of foundation at The Disabilities Trust, added: “Our work on domestic abuse and brain injury has illustrated the trauma and vulnerability experienced by survivors of domestic abuse and brain injury.
“The recent practical steps taken by the Minister represent a significant step forward for these survivors, and we are delighted that our research helped secure the inclusion of ABI and violence in the induction assessment for all new prisoners.”
