Country Profile
Jamaica
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Jamaica
Is Suicide Decriminalised?
Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?
Uncertain
Are Crisis Lines Available?
Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.
Yes
National Suicide Prevention Strategy?
Is there a national suicide prevention strategy, such as from the WHO, and does include decriminalisation, if known?
Uncertain
Population in Need of Support Per Year
Based on the WHO likely attempted suicide rate.
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Strength Of Support (Local Qualitative Assessment)
Population
Suicide Rate Per 100K Per Year, all Sexes (SDG 3.4.2)
per 100,000
WHO 2019 for SDG 3.4.2. Global average 1 per 100,000
Suicide Deaths Per Year (By Population)
per annum
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Jamaica, officially known as the Commonwealth of Jamaica, is located in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles and is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including Afro-Jamaicans, Indo-Jamaicans, and Chinese-Jamaicans. Its unique geography is characterised by lush tropical landscapes, rolling mountains, and stunning coastal areas, making it a popular tourist destination. The country boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, with reggae music famously popularised by Bob Marley.
Jamaica's religious makeup encompasses predominantly Christian beliefs with a small percentage incorporating them into Rastafarianism, a uniquely Jamaican faith.
The legal system in Jamaica is a combination of Common Law and Statute Law. Like many other nations, Jamaica inherited these from colonial-era England. Suicide was a crime at the time, and although decriminalised in England in 1961, it persists on the statutes of other nations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress. Decriminalising suicide saves lives.
This country profile has been compiled from available research and verified as well as possible. If you wish to supply clarifications, updates, feedback, facts or data, please use the Contact Us form on this page. And if you want your country to take ownership of managing and sharing this information, and progress being made, please register your interest in participating via our Get Involved form.
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