8 Sep 2011

Suicide-related problems on rise in Fiji

2:37 pm on 8 September 2011

The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre says it is noticing an increase in young people seeking help with suicide-related problems.

The police say reports of suicides and attempted suicides have been increasing gradually since 2006, with 67 deaths and 87 attempts in 2006 and 76 deaths and 132 attempts last year.

The Women's Crisis Centre says a greater number of 15 to 23 years who have experienced domestic violence and broken relationships are seeking help for suicide related issues.

Its Coordinator Shamima Ali says she believes the numbers are growing as more help centres are available around the country.

"There are other places they can go to, there are other counselling centres that are coming up. And there's also a national suicide prevention committee that is trying to get its act together and trying to work on prevention strategies. So I think there is more of an outlet and that is why we are seeing more people actually presenting."

Shamima Ali says more people are also willing to seek help as a result of greater suicide awareness.