BitePRO says its new range of anti-ligature clothing, STRONGTEX, was designed ‘with comfort in mind to reduce the risk of individuals taking their own lives in healthcare and custodial settings’.
The company explains says the very strong fabric all STRONGTEX garments are made from effectively hinders the wearer’s ability to create a long enough piece of ligature to attach to an anchor point, or from swallowing a ligature. This is to help prevent self-harm or suicides of individuals involuntarily placed in seclusion in either healthcare or custodial settings.
STRONGTEX is washable at 71 °C, fire-retardant, durable, sturdy, anti-tear, and has been rigorously tested against international standards such as ISO 13937, which asses the tear properties of fabrics.
BitePRO plans to add options to further personalise its garments in the future; these may include introducing new fabric colours or amendments to the garment design. Anti-ligature bedding is also expected to be added to the range this autumn/winter.
CEO, Robert Kaiser, said: “We had two key objectives that led to the creation of STRONGTEX. Primarily, we wanted to reduce the risk of individuals taking their own lives within healthcare and custodial settings. Secondly, we wanted to achieve that by creating a range of dependable and comfortable anti-ligature clothing. We know comfort is extremely important, as it will help support individuals wearing such garments in retaining their identity and dignity, and promote their recovery. It will also help increase their sense of self-worth, especially when the garment is being worn over a longer period.”
He added: “We believe the more comfortable such a garment is, the less severe the behavioural disturbance the person may demonstrate, and that this will likely reduce the risk that person may represent to themselves and others.”