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[Protracted suicide as a criminalistic problem]
1Institut für Gerichtliche Medizin des Kantonsspitals St. Gallen.
Archiv Fur Kriminologie
|September 1, 1987
Summary
The study proposes distinguishing "combined" suicides (multiple methods intended) from "protracted" suicides (sequential, varied methods over time). This clarifies terminology in suicide research and forensic pathology.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Current terminology for suicide methods lacks precise differentiation.
- Understanding suicide methods is crucial for prevention and investigation.
Observation:
- The study defines "combined" suicide as cases where multiple methods are intended from the outset.
- It introduces "protracted" or "prolongated" suicide for cases involving sequential, unsuccessful attempts with different methods over time.
Findings:
- Two case studies illustrate the proposed distinction: one involving a traffic accident, stabbing, ingestion, and jumping; the other stabbing, ingestion, and jumping.
- These cases highlight the varied and sequential nature of methods in protracted suicides.
Implications:
- Refined terminology can improve the accuracy of suicide classification and data collection.
- Clearer definitions may aid in understanding victim behavior and developing targeted suicide prevention strategies.