Suicide and Social Response in Fiji: a Historical Survey

Abstract

A historical review of suicide in Fiji shows that rates for people of Indian descent have always been higher than those of other groups, yet until now this phenomenon has attracted little official or public attention. Recent changes in the incidence and methods of suicide have led to the introduction of some preventive measures, but the emphasis has been on eliminating some of the methods rather than the reasons for suicide. The continuing high incidence of suicide by hanging involving some sectors of society appears to have been overlooked. Possible causes of this apparent lack of interest are examined, such as the low status historically of Indian immigrants and concepts held about them by other groups in Fiji, and the ‘invisibility’ of groups of people such as rural women and the aged.