While the latest statistics revealed by the police show an increase of arrests for attempted suicide over the past year, experts maintain that it could be due to better intervention by third parties that actually prevented potential tragedies.
Last year, 901 people were arrested for attempting to check out early as compared to the 862 in 2013, The Straits Times reports. Under Singapore law, it's illegal to commit suicide — those arrested in their failed attempt can be punished with jail and/or a fine.
Experts however have assured that the 4.5 percent increase in the arrests may not be that troubling a trend — it could actually mean that more suicide attempts are being foiled by family, friends and the police.
This theory might prove to be a correct one, as the number of suicide deaths has actually decreased from 467 deaths in 2012 to 422 deaths in 2013. The statistics from last year has not be released yet.
Lesser people have also been charged for attempted suicides, with only five cases filed last year as compared to 16 of such cases in 2010.
Though things may look grim, the Samaritans of Singapore disclosed that more and more people are aware of avenues where they can seek help. They've had a 260 percent rise in the number of people who reached out to them via e-mail from 2009 to last year.
Suicide may be illegal here, but it's good to know that most are referred to professionals for help, while others are simply let off with a stern warning. Some just need help, instead of simple incarceration.
Photos: paddy patterson via Flickr
While the latest statistics revealed by the police show an increase of arrests for attempted suicide over the past year, experts maintain that it could be due to better intervention by third parties that actually prevented potential tragedies.
Last year, 901 people were arrested for attempting to check out early as compared to the 862 in 2013, The Straits Times reports. Under Singapore law, it's illegal to commit suicide — those arrested in their failed attempt can be punished with jail and/or a fine.
Experts however have assured that the 4.5 percent increase in the arrests may not be that troubling a trend — it could actually mean that more suicide attempts are being foiled by family, friends and the police.
This theory might prove to be a correct one, as the number of suicide deaths has actually decreased from 467 deaths in 2012 to 422 deaths in 2013. The statistics from last year has not be released yet.
Lesser people have also been charged for attempted suicides, with only five cases filed last year as compared to 16 of such cases in 2010.
Though things may look grim, the Samaritans of Singapore disclosed that more and more people are aware of avenues where they can seek help. They've had a 260 percent rise in the number of people who reached out to them via e-mail from 2009 to last year.
Suicide may be illegal here, but it's good to know that most are referred to professionals for help, while others are simply let off with a stern warning. Some just need help, instead of simple incarceration.
Photos: paddy patterson via Flickr