The Fiji Police Force has reported 63 suicide cases for 2024, slightly down from 66 cases during the same period last year. Additionally, there have been 44 attempted suicide cases, a decrease from 47 in the previous year. These statistics are from January 1 to August 22.
Among the reported cases, eight suicides and five attempts involved individuals under the age of 18. The highest number of cases was recorded among those over 60, with 19 suicides and two attempted suicides. Males accounted for a significant majority of the cases, with 50 reported incidents.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci expressed serious concern over these statistics, emphasizing the growing social challenges faced by the community and the need to foster a culture of acceptance and understanding. He urged community leaders to help in changing the narrative surrounding mental health issues.
Raikaci said, “We need to nurture a more understanding and supportive culture of acceptance and create safe spaces to talk. As we deal with modern challenges in policing, we also face issues like cyberbullying, and we urge Fijians to be more compassionate in the digital realm.”
Common factors linked to suicide and attempted suicide include marital disputes, family conflicts, relationship issues, stress, and health problems. This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme is “Changing the Narrative with the Call to Start the Conversation.”