The Tribune

By Constable 3011 Makelle Pinder

Most recently there has been a vast increase in Suicide and Domestic Violence incidents, whereas due to these critical and common issues, the Bahamian family structure as we know it is gradually deteriorating. Additionally the correlation between the two matters over the years clearly indicates a cry for help by the victims of these social ills.

Therefore, in an effort to further educate the Bahamian public and to minimize the occurrence of these matters, the Royal Bahamas Police Force wants to provide some insight into to the causes and association between Domestic Violence and Suicide.

According to research Domestic Violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of behavior which involves the abuse by one partner against another in an HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimate_relationship” o “Intimate relationship” intimate relationship such as marriage, cohabitation, or dating.

And suicide is defined as the act of intentionally causing one’s own death.

Suicide is often committed out of HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despair_(emotion)” o “Despair (emotion)” despair, the cause of which is frequently attributed to a HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_disorder” o “Mental disorder” mental disorder such as HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder” o “Major depressive disorder” depression, HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder” o “Bipolar disorder” bipolar disorder, HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia” o “Schizophrenia” schizophrenia, alcoholism, or HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_abuse” o “Drug abuse” drug abuse. Stress factors such as HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_difficulties” o “Financial difficulties” financial difficulties or troubles with HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpersonal_relationships” o “Interpersonal relationships” interpersonal relationships often play a role in this act.

Consequently, from an analytical perspective the dynamics of Domestic Violence which takes on many forms, including physical aggression or assault, threats, HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse” o “Sexual abuse” sexual abuse; HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_abuse” o “Psychological abuse” emotional abuse; HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_freak” o “Control freak” controlling or domineering; HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimidation” o “Intimidation” intimidation; HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalking” o “Stalking” stalking and HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_abuse” o “Economic abuse” economic deprivation, are all transparent contributors to Suicide.

In fact three out of five persons are victimized by domestic violence at some point in their lives. Unfortunately because of pride and embarrassment, only one in five victims with physical injuries seek medical treatment, and only about half of the Domestic Violence incidents are reported to police.

Even though it is sad but true, approximately all perpetrators of Domestic Violence say that they will stop, but hardly ever do. The violence usually gets worse.

Victims of Domestic Violence are also at risk of being murdered by their abusers, and according to research one out of every four persons who are victims of Domestic Violence attempt Suicide.

Most persons who are victimized by these heinous crimes feel trapped and confused. The abuser not only physically attacks them, but they also psychologically attack and manipulate their victims. The verbal attacks are meant to control the victim, in an effort of stripping them of their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-love. The perpetrator often wants their victim to believe that it is their fault for the violence and the verbal abuse.

The horrible crime of Domestic Violence often results in persons isolating themselves, which leads to the victim becoming clinically depressed.

Victims of Domestic Violence, often feel trapped and powerless, and do not receive treatment for their depression, and thus, believe that Suicide is the only way out.

It is also important for parents to take into consideration, when arguing with each other who their audience is. Due to the fact that many children who are in households where Domestic Violence occurs attempt Suicide. Children are deeply affected by the physical and emotional abuse; they too feel powerless, and oftentimes become depressed. They may seek to end their own pain and escape from the horrors of Domestic Violence with dying by Suicide.

Though Domestic homicide is often a result of long term physical or emotional abuse in a relationship, violence in a marriage or a relationship is a common factor which drives more women than men to Suicide.

People who are suicidal, should know that ending their own life is not the solution for Domestic Violence, The Royal Bahamas Police Force wants to encourage these victims to seek professional help, talk to a pastor, a family member, or the police, and develop a prayer life. HELP! is available.

Remember that Domestic Violence is always wrong, it is a crime, and there is never an excuse for this act.

All perpetrators of Domestic Violence are cowards and criminals.

Should you need more information on Suicide or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please do not hesitate to contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island or If you know of Individuals who may be in need of counseling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline number at 322-2763 or The Crisis Center 328-0922 or 322-4999