As reported in The Hereford Times, assisting self-harm may become a criminal offence punishable by five years in prison
A rise in self-harm among young people in England has prompted the government to propose a new criminal offence targeting those who intentionally assist or encourage self-harm in others.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), there has been a “recent increase” in self-harm prevalence among young people, with experts warning that the trend spans all age groups. In response, ministers are seeking to expand the law through the Crime and Policing Bill, creating a specific offence for assisting self-harm, either in person or online.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone who intentionally provides means to self-harm – such as giving someone a blade or medication – with the intent to cause serious harm, could face up to five years in prison, even if no injury results.
The measure builds on the Online Safety Act 2023, which already made it illegal to encourage or assist suicide and self-harm online. The new offence would broaden the scope to cover all contexts, not just digital content, replacing the existing law with a more comprehensive approach.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: “The prevalence of serious self-harm, especially in young people, is hugely concerning. This change will help ensure those who actively try to harm others in this way face the consequences, while safeguarding vulnerable individuals from further distress.”
The government has emphasised that the legislation is not intended to criminalise people who share their own experiences, raise awareness, or offer support. The law will apply only to those whose actions are deemed to be deliberately harmful. The proposal forms part of wider efforts to tackle the mental health crisis, particularly among younger populations, and will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny as part of the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
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