The decriminalisation of suicide in Singapore marks a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to addressing mental health and suicide prevention with compassion and empathy. For many years, Singapore was influenced by historical context deeply rooted in British colonial laws that treated suicide as a criminal act. However, the relentless efforts of advocacy groups and stakeholders brought about a transformative shift in legislation, culminating in January 2020 when Singapore decriminalised suicide. This shift in policy has not only provided newfound hope to individuals facing emotional distress but has also underscored the importance of offering crisis support, mental health assistance, and suicide prevention resources over punitive measures.
Historical Context:
To appreciate the significance of Singapore's journey towards decriminalisation, it is essential to delve into the historical context. In the 19th century, Singapore's penal code was fashioned after India's, itself influenced by Victorian-era English common law. During this period, suicide was deemed both immoral and a crime against God. The prevailing belief was that punitive measures against those attempting suicide would serve as a deterrent. However, this approach inadvertently led to the criminalisation of individuals grappling with severe emotional distress and mental health challenges.
The Legislative Reform:
In January 2020, Singapore ushered in a new era by decriminalising suicide, effectively ending the punitive approach towards those who had attempted suicide. This legislative reform represented a profound shift, not only in the law but also in societal attitudes towards mental health and emotional well-being.
"The criminal justice system is not the best way to deal with persons who have attempted suicide. Such persons are often under severe distress. The reasons for suicide are multifaceted and complex.” - Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan
Advocacy and Stakeholders – The Movement for Change:
Silver Ribbon Singapore, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and AWARE, two influential advocacy groups, played instrumental roles in bringing about change.
Silver Ribbon Singapore: Founded in 2006, this organisation emerged as a driving force behind the decriminalisation movement. Through collaboration with various mental health organisations, Silver Ribbon Singapore spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about the detrimental consequences of criminalising suicide attempts.
AWARE: Recognised for its advocacy for gender equality and women's rights, AWARE also made substantial contributions to the decriminalisation cause. By sharing compelling case studies and real-life experiences, AWARE illuminated the harmful effects of arrests on individuals contemplating suicide. These narratives demonstrated how individuals were stigmatised and filled with shame, discouraging them from seeking help and support.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): With a focus on crisis support services, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) was an active player in the campaign, bringing together experts and holding public forums to dispel stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviours.
“People experiencing a high suicide crisis are aware but are rarely deterred by the existence of the law. The criminalisation of suicide attempts may have resulted in under-reported or hidden cases of suicide attempts which may in turn give the false impression that suicidal behaviours are less prevalent.” - Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
The Onflow Effect of Change:
Policy: The decriminalisation of suicide significantly reduced the fear of prosecution that individuals associated with seeking help. This shift in policy promoted early intervention and encouraged individuals to seek support without the looming threat of legal repercussions.
Mental Health Acts: The impact of Singapore's earlier punitive approach extended beyond those contemplating suicide; it also affected their caregivers. Parents of children with depression, for instance, hesitated to admit their loved ones to government hospitals due to fears of legal consequences. This led to higher medical costs for families as they sought private healthcare alternatives.
Crisis Support: With the decriminalisation of suicide, Singapore paved the way for the development of more comprehensive crisis support systems and resources. This change marked a shift towards a more compassionate and empathetic approach to mental health crises.
Community: The journey towards decriminalisation revealed a significant shift in societal attitudes towards mental health and suicide-related challenges. Advocacy groups, politicians, and the community came together to create an environment characterised by understanding and empathy. This societal transformation was instrumental in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.
