This week the Howard League for Penal Reform reported that there had been a significant rise in the numbers of female prisoners committing suicide, from 9 in 2002 to 14 in 2003.
At present Stephen Shaw is the Prison and Probation Ombudsman and responsible for investigating a variety of complaints from prisoners. This week it was announced his powers are to be extended to investigate 'self-inflicted deaths' in prisons and probation hostels.
Stephen Shaw joins Martha to explain how his new role could help to stem this worrying trend.
