Increase of suicide cases calls for awareness programs by Police

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Due to the increase in suicide cases reported in the Country, the Ministry of Police and Prisons has launched an awareness program as a result. 

Called the SAMOA SAOGALEMU (Safe Samoa) Talk Show, its a platform created and produced by the Samoa Police to provide updates from the SPPCS and raise awareness on important issues of the day that contribute to keeping Samoa Safe and its overseen by Deputy Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti.

“Coming up this week is World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2022. To kick off our first episode on the Samoa Saogalemu Talk Show, we will be having the hard conversations about the rising rates of suicide in our country and how we can support those that are risk of suicide,” says the Police.

During their program that’s aired on the Ministry of Police and Prison’s official Facebook page, Papalii said that from January to December 2021 there were 15 suicides reported, investigate and recorded.

However, from January to August this year the number already reached the data of suicide cases from 2021. 

“This is quite concerning,” said the Deputy Commissioner.

According to Papalli, Police records indicate that in January 2021 suicide by hanging had the highest record and consuming paraquat came in second. 

However, in 2022 the data indicates that consuming paraquat has now become the highest commission followed by hanging. 

Papalii said there are programs that can assist those that are thinking of committing suicide and the Ministry stands by ready to lend assistance if required as their efforts is to save lives in the country.