"We are still going through such a horrendous traumatic time and loss, and we're left alone to navigate it, and it's not OK." Mimi Conder is calling for mandatory police support for families whose loved ones take their own lives.
What!? Why? Well, Reader, because she found it all a bit difficult to cope at the time, and so SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS…
She has started a petition calling for the introduction of Jason's Law, named after her late husband, so that bereaved families in cases similar to her own can benefit from the guidance of a family support officer (FLO). "I just feel like I couldn't grieve because I was so overwhelmed trying to understand what the processes were," she tells the BBC. Thames Valley Police currently employs FLOs to help explain criminal investigation processes to bereaved families, but this is not applicable in cases of suicide.
Because suicide is no longer a crime. It used to be, but our modern, enlightened society thought that was an outdated view.
Mimi says she did not expect an FLO to be a "shoulder to cry on". Instead, the family's petition calls for trained officers to "ensure consistent support, communication, and guidance during investigations, inquests, and the immediate aftermath". "If I had someone there... then 100% I feel like I would have been able to process it a lot quicker than I did, or am still doing," she explains.
The police are a law enforcement agency, if a role like this is needed for people who are incapable of navigating the systems and organisations they need to deal with after a loved one commits suicide, it should be filled by another organisation, or charity.
The government responds to all petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures.
But not always as you'd hope, so bear that in mind, Mimi...
18 comments:
Very sad, but doesn't the Samaritans offer support to people bereaved by suicide.
Given my interaction with the police when my father topped himself she is better off without them TBH...
Because an arm of the state is always an excellent choice if you need to solve problems. Sarcasm in case it's not obvious.
Stonyground.
4000 signatures so far. Doubt if it will reach the 10,000 threshold.
Now this would be a job for one of those wonderful social workers that the "Defund the Police" agitators keep waffling about.
Steven.
All of the things about which she wants 'communications' are the responsibility of the Coroner. Has she tried enquiring there?
My condolences to Mrs Conder, but couldn't find the reason why her husband took his own life. Was it preventable? Perhaps Mrs Conder should explore that avenue to help prevent similar incidents. As a (now retired) Police officer, suicides, and the aftermath were not unknown to me, but there were several reasons why someone felt that death was the only way out. As mentioned above, the Samaritans and similar organisations are there to help and advise. In this instance, was there a reason that her husband couldn't talk to her?
Penseivat
"petition calling for the introduction of Jason's Law"
Nope. Laws named after people are generally garbage
It’s not a situation of which I have any direct experience and I feel great sympathy for Mrs Conder but I agree, it’s hard to see how yet more legislation is appropriate for this.
I can understand the need for ongoing Police liaison in complex cases where there is an element of doubt over the cause of death or where the suicide has involved other people (such as a train or vehicle driver) but, in a relatively ‘straightforward’ case like that of her husband, there are surely other ways to provide what she feels was lacking for her.
I’m reminded of the darkly comic Mitchell and Webb sketch in which a bereaved husband repeatedly points out that he is the last person who should be asked to inform new legislation as he is incapable of being objective on the subject.
...and this is how the State grows like topsy. My old employer had 'Welfare Officers' who helped with the consequences of deaths and other problems. They were eventually removed as the business left behind its Civil Service roots.
There's an opportunity here for some business or charity to take on the role of providing 'Welfare'. Perhaps people could pay an annual retainer, like insurance?
But in the end don't look to the State... they will only provide what suits them, not you.
@ Bucko
Nope, all laws named after people are garbage. For the reason Macheath outlines above.
Murphy's Law being perhaps the only exception that proves the rule?
Yes, indeed, but they are having some issues of their own at the moment.
It was indeed obvious
Of course not!
Maybe he couldn't get a word in edgewise?
Indeed, anon!
'moar legislation' is very seldom a sensible option. Use the legislation that already exists!
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