MPs are backing more open rules for New Zealand media reporting on suicides. Currently in cases of clear or suspected suicide, the media can’t say anything about the cause of death until a Coroner’s inquiry is completed. Suicides are often described as “sudden deaths”. The Coroners Act is currently being reformed, and some of the rules are set to be loosened. The Justice and Electoral Select Committee is backing a change to allow media to report a death as a "suspected suicide" before a coroner's inquiry is completed, if the facts support that conclusion. They have rejected any move to allow media to report on methods of suicides, or locations where they take place if that hints at the method. The committee pointed to advice from the Director of Mental Health, which says the media could play a positive role in suicide awareness, but there was also strong evidence that reporting of suicide methods could "popularise" those methods. Instead, the coroner would have discretion over whether they started an inquest - a change which the committee said would reduce unnecessary investigations. While no data is collected on the sexuality or gender identity of people who take their own lives, studies show our communities are over-represented when it comes to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Paul Letham Auckland therapist Paul Letham, who specialises in sexuality and lgbti issues, strongly supports the future ability to include the words “suspected suicide” in news reports, but agrees the methods of suicide should not be revealed. He says the “Werther Effect”, which states that copycat suicide clusters can occur after well-publicised suicides, has been well-documented over the years. “Although still a little contentious, I believe it’s best to err on the side of caution here,” Letham says. “Overall, I see the inclusion of the word ‘suicide’ in reporting to be advantageous in hopefully creating a greater level of dialogue within our communities, and the LGBT community is no different. “We are over-represented in the statistics due to our higher-then-average levels of mood disorders and substance abuse. These conversations are therefore of the utmost importance. “Suicides happen, and we shouldn’t be afraid of talking about them. They need to be brought into the open and discussed – hiding behind euphemisms is unhelpful, in my view. “We should focus on the why regarding suicides, but continue to suppress the how.” Trevor Easton Trevor Easton from support service OUTLine says the 2013 NZ Rainbow Community Suicide Prevention Plan found members of the lgbtiq community are 4–5 times more likely to commit suicide. He says US research shows the risk for trans people is even higher, at 41 per cent. “I believe it would be good to have more transparency but we have to be very mindful of those that are left behind, families and friends are still trying to come to terms with the loss of a loved one,” he says. “I don’t believe that the media should have the right before the Coronary report is released to make speculation, as what’s reported can be the only thing that people hear and if wrong can hurt further people in grief. I do think that the Coroner should be more open if they believe that the person has taken their own life. This may help others to help those in need and considering suicide.” Easton says it’s always good to face and discuss openly such tough issues, but reiterates we always need to be mindful of loved ones of people who have committed suicide and the effect it has on them. He believes information on methods would be useful, but only for research and prevention, but not for general publication. If this story raises issues and you need to talk, there is ALWAYS help out there. Please call OUTLine on 0800 OUTLINE, or Rainbow Youth on (09) 376 4155. After hours you can call Lifeline's 24-hr Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 TAUTOKO (82 88 65).
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 5th August 2015 - 1:22pm