Local counselling service NGO Empower Pacific has noted a higher rate of attempted suicide in females when compared with their male counterparts.
Last year’s figures released by the Lautoka-based NGO indicated 55 per cent of women and girls attempted suicide as compared with 49 per cent of males while 78 per cent of females conducted an intention of deliberate self-harm as compared with only 19 per cent of boys and men.
“Both genders had higher rates between the ages of 18 and 35 years for attempted suicide while women and girls had higher rates between 0 and 25 years for deliberate self-harm,” Mr Morgam said.
“The provision of mental health and psychosocial support through counselling and social work showed a high rate of attempted suicide at 61 per cent and deliberate self-harm at 30 per cent for women and girls while for men and boys they were 78 and 22 per cent respectively.
“Men and boys between the ages of 18 and 55 years had higher rates of attempted suicide when compared to deliberate self-harm while the trend for women and girls was similar.”
Mr Morgam said the organisation would continue to work with stakeholders and development partners in its crucial role of assisting in suicide prevention by way of vigorous advocacy.
He said Fijians who needed help have always reached out via the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade-supported 24-hour mental health and psychosocial support counselling helpline.
