A study was done at the Kingston Prison for Women to guide the development of a therapeutic programme for women who self-injure. 44 prisoners & 41 security staff were interviewed about three programme goals: injury response, injury reduction, & suicide identification. Results indicate self-injury may best be reduced by considering it a sign of emotional distress rather than a security issue & by shifting the responsibillity for its reductions from security to counselling personnel. Results also indicate self-injuring prisoners often seek emotional support from their peers, & that this support should be acknowledged & legitimized.