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Suicide and the publicly exposed pedophile
1Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS
|April 25, 2013
Summary
Men facing investigation or apprehension for child sex offenses may commit suicide, even without other mental disorders. Public exposure and legal threats create a critical situation leading to suicide.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- The prevailing clinical view links most suicides to mental disorders.
- This perspective may narrow the scope of suicide prevention strategies.
- The study investigates suicides in men accused of child sex offenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine public records for suicides among men investigated for child sex offenses.
- To identify cases of suicide occurring without apparent mental disorder, excluding pedophilia.
- To present case histories and analyze the circumstances surrounding these suicides.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of the public record was conducted.
- Both hard copy and electronic sources were examined.
- Case histories were compiled and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Twenty case histories were identified.
- These cases involved men who died by suicide shortly after exposure or threatened exposure.
- The men had no apparent mental disorder other than pedophilia.
Conclusions:
- Public exposure or threatened legal action for pedophilia can precipitate suicide.
- Such circumstances create a severe predicament for affected individuals.
- This highlights a specific risk factor for suicide in this population.
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