Transcript
TEVITA VAILEA: What happened [is] the guy returned home from work around 8 o clock in the evening and he wasn't happy with the mother. And he got angry and then decided to climb on the tree at the backyard of their residence. And one of his brothers and someone from the neighbours found out that he was already on the top of the tree with a roll of wire and he was trying to tie up the wire to the tree. And he did admit that he was trying to do it and there was some negotiation between these guys. And finally he came down.
INDIRA STEWART: Right ok, so they negotiated with him to come down. He was trying to hang himself with that wire?
TV: Yes.
IS: And how is the family feeling at this stage?
TV: We're trying to engage with the family and refer them to some counselling but at this point of time, the guy has apologised to the mother because what happened after he came down from the tree [is] he disappeared. And he came back later to the house and apologised to the mother and admit everything but the mother had already called the police. So the police picked him up and bring him to the police station.
IS: Is the first time you've done this? Charge someone with attempted suicide?
TV: No, we have a few cases in the past. From a law enforcement perspective, we think that this offence is getting more and more and it's becoming a problem in the community. But we cannot ignore those kind of attitudes. Because once it's completed, it won't become an offence but someone has lost their life. So we think that yeah, we must take [them] to court. But at the same time, we take the evidence and it is up to the court whether it will amount to the offence. But we also consider that the community has to be made aware that this kind of behaviour and attitude exists in the community.
IS: What's the youngest charge of attempted suicide you've had?
TV: I think in the past few years, it came down to 14. Yeah, and I think the majority is male.
IS: Do you think there needs to be perhaps some more support out there for people who are having some problems with their mental health and are attempting suicide?
TV: Sure, there is a need. And I am talking about a holistic approach from every stakeholder and the community too. There are various factors that contribute to this problem. And I think there's no difference from other countries in the world.
