Last month, Iain Duncan Smith proposed a bill which would allow for liability for suicide to be considered. Mr Smith’s argument is very well made and worth a read, but in brief, in cases where a series of repeated domestic abuse leads to someone feeling that their only option is to take their own life, then such a Bill could allow for the person responsible for the abuse to be considered liable for the suicide.
I have been a listening volunteer for Samaritans for five years and while I wouldn’t claim to be an expert in any way, I have heard a variety of perspectives from people thinking of, or trying to killing themselves. And from what I’ve heard, this Bill could be a good idea that is long overdue.
Finally, I’d like to reiterate my disclaimer – that this post should in no way be taken to imply support or otherwise for such a Bill from Samaritans as an organisation. This is purely my personal view.