![]() ![]() However, such talk is often steeped in concepts and language from the past (including the use of the word ‘commit’) that perpetuate stigma, constrain thinking and reduce help-seeking behaviour. We need to talk more about suicide, and provide safe places for this to occur in a manner that is helpful and healthy. Those affected by suicide (whether personally or due to the death of a person to whom they are connected) are vulnerable and often stigmatised. ![]() Suicide is a considerable public health issue with ripple effects throughout the community. This is often the only occurrence, outside of committing a crime and being held, where an individual can be detained without his or her consent.Īs suicide is viewed differently by different people (both those with and without religious affiliations), is not considered a crime in many parts of the world, and its association with mental illness is not always applicable, using the word ‘commit’ within the context of suicide is not only unnecessary, it is also harmful. In many countries care for those with mental illness can be sought involuntarily (usually when the person is so unwell that they are unable to admit themselves to care). The word 'commit' has been applied to the incarceration of people against their will in a mental institution.In the State of Victoria for example, the Crimes Act 1958, Section 6A, states “The rule of law whereby it is a crime for a person to commit or to attempt to commit suicide is hereby abrogated” (Crimes Act, 1958). The law relating to suicide in Australia varies between States and Territories, but it is no longer a crime in any jurisdiction. As well as decriminalising suicide, this Act made it an offence to assist in a suicide, which had the unique effect of criminalising an accessory when the principal has not committed a crime. For example, there was a legal prohibition against suicide in England and Wales until the Suicide Act 1961 was introduced. In the past, suicide was a criminal act in many countries.Over time suicide has been regarded as a cardinal sin in some religions and is still often considered a moral sin. Indeed suicide is considered wrong in many religions (Cholbi, 2009). The word ‘commit’ is commonly used in connection with religious offences.Implications associated with ‘commit’Īttention to this issue is important because there are three historically powerful and potentially stigmatising uses for the word ‘commit’ which have implications when associated with the word ‘suicide’. Part of this is to use appropriate, non-stigmatising terminology when referring to suicide. We now live in a time when we seek to understand people who experience suicidal ideation, behaviours and attempts, and to treat them with compassion rather than condemn them. Suicide is not a sin and is no longer a crime, so we should stop saying that people ‘commit’ suicide.
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