Experts call for increased awareness of links between brain injuries and crime

Posted: Published on August 12th, 2014

This post was added by Dr Simmons

EXPERTS have called for increased awareness in the criminal justice system of how brain injuries are linked to offending.

The British Psychological Society says the "hidden" nature of brain injuries and neurodisabilities means many offenders experience discriminating treatment when entering the system.

MSPs on Holyrood's Justice Committee took evidence from a panel of doctors and academics on the issue.

Research has shown that the level of brain injuries among offenders in custody is much higher than in the general population.

Professor Tom McMillan, professor of clinical neuropsychology, at the University of Glasgow, told MSPs that a study of three prisons in the Glasgow area showed 23 per cent of prisoners had suffered a head injury in their lives, with 50 per cent of these classified as severe.

A report by Professor Huw Williams, of the Centre for Clinical Neuropsychology Research at the University of Exeter, found that despite the higher prevalence among offenders, it is rare for criminal justice professionals to consider whether an offender may have a brain injury, or for appropriate rehabilitation services to be offered.

His report suggests the need for increased awareness of brain injury throughout the criminal justice process and in related areas such as health, social care and education.

The British Psychological Society also suggested that those working in the courts are made aware of the impact of brain injuries on accused.

It said: "The specific needs of offenders with such conditions are rarely identified, understood, or taken into account, particularly when cases are being prepared and sentencing considered.

"The Society believes defendants with brain injuries are highly likely to have difficulty in engaging with the procedures and obligations of the justice system, such as following proceedings.

Read the original here:
Experts call for increased awareness of links between brain injuries and crime

Related Posts
This entry was posted in Brain Injury Treatment. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.