Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant ruling was made by the European Court of Human Rights regarding IPP sentences?
What significant ruling was made by the European Court of Human Rights regarding IPP sentences?
- They were lawful under all circumstances.
- They should remain unchanged.
- They were beneficial for the public.
- They were arbitrary and therefore unlawful. (correct)
What was the approximate number of IPP prisoners still incarcerated at the end of last year?
What was the approximate number of IPP prisoners still incarcerated at the end of last year?
- 3,500
- 2,892 (correct)
- 5,000
- 1,500
How does the rate of self-harm among IPP prisoners compare to that of life sentence prisoners?
How does the rate of self-harm among IPP prisoners compare to that of life sentence prisoners?
- It is lower by a considerable margin.
- It is more than twice as high. (correct)
- It is slightly higher.
- It is about the same.
What did Victoria do to improve her situation while imprisoned?
What did Victoria do to improve her situation while imprisoned?
What prevented Victoria from qualifying for parole after her tariff ended?
What prevented Victoria from qualifying for parole after her tariff ended?
What effect did repeated refusals of parole have on Victoria's mental health?
What effect did repeated refusals of parole have on Victoria's mental health?
What challenge do IPP prisoners face regarding psychological help while seeking parole?
What challenge do IPP prisoners face regarding psychological help while seeking parole?
What has contributed to the hopelessness of IPP prisoners in terms of rehabilitation?
What has contributed to the hopelessness of IPP prisoners in terms of rehabilitation?
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Study Notes
IPP Sentences and Their Abolishment
- Indeterminate Public Protection (IPP) sentences criticized as “arbitrary and unlawful” by the European Court of Human Rights in 2012.
- Conservative government abolished IPP terms; however, this change did not apply retrospectively.
- As of the end of last year, 2,892 IPP prisoners remained incarcerated, despite crimes being less severe than those committed by released prisoners.
Impact on Mental Health
- IPP prisoners experience significantly increased rates of self-harm, over double that of life sentence inmates.
- The uncertainty of release severely affects the mental well-being of IPP prisoners, creating a state of despair.
Victoria's Story
- In March 2008, Victoria recognized the gravity of her IPP sentence and attempted suicide.
- She committed to self-improvement through psychotherapy, education, and skill-building courses.
- Initially, Victoria was not ready for parole when her tariff expired and continued to engage in therapeutic programs.
Challenges in Seeking Parole
- Victoria’s parole application was denied after two years due to her ongoing participation in therapy and failure to meet the high standards of proof for release.
- Following the refusal, Victoria faced significant mental health issues, including self-harm and substance abuse, leading to another suicide attempt.
Cycle of Mental Illness and Parole Denial
- Refusal of parole exacerbates mental health problems among IPP prisoners, as mental illness is a criterion for denial.
- Prisoners may conceal their mental health struggles to avoid jeopardizing their chances of release.
Reduction in Rehabilitation Opportunities
- Funding cuts have limited the availability of courses and counseling, further diminishing the hope of release for IPP prisoners.
Victoria’s Release and Reflection
- Victoria was released this year after serving over 15 years for a 21-month tariff.
- She expresses a commitment to leading a meaningful life while grappling with the impact of lost years due to her incarceration.
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