Black men in prison are more likely than their White counterparts to experience violence - both as perpetrators and victims. Staff are also more likely to use force against them and to resort to the use of weapons such as batons and PAVA spray. At the same time, Black prisoners are less likely to report vulnerabilities or to seek help from staff, partly because of mistrust and a fear of mistreatment. This further undermines relationships between prisoners and staff, and increases the risk that deteriorating mental health will go unnoticed until the situation becomes acute. This article draws on first-hand accounts to examine and explain such findings. It explores how historical oppressions continue to shape interpersonal relationships in prisons today. It also considers how prison cultures might be improved, both through practical measures and by engaging more deeply with theoretical perspectives, such as those emerging from the development of Black Criminology.
