Men in prison: the needs of the neglected majority

Men and boys make up more than 90% of the global prison population [1]. This fact, which is as accurate now as it has been historically, has led to prison design and regimes, both healthcare and disciplinary, being tailored to their needs at the expense of women and children in prison. However, we must not forget the growing recognition of gender specific issues for imprisoned men, e.g., toxic masculinity, hidden trauma (sexual and physical) histories, and the gender imbalance evident in some psychiatric disorders such as antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). We argue that, with the right design and resources, prisons can serve as a therapeutic environment in which such issues can be addressed. Furthermore, there are compelling reasons to actively research these areas to provide an evidence base for generalised interventions. The articles in this special issue accomplish exactly that.