Medicine, science, and the law
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Suicide and parasuicide rates have increased in Singapore since 1980 and in 1986 were estimated to be 13.1 per 100,000 and 92 per 100,000 respectively. Those most prone to suicidal behaviour are the Indians and the aged above 70 years. Jumping from a height is still the commonest method of suicide and self-poisoning is the most popular method of parasuicide.
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The British Crime Surveys have demonstrated that police-derived crime statistics are an unreliable indicator of the true number of violent offences in society. We therefore investigated police recording of consecutive victims of violence who sought treatment in a large Accident and Emergency (A & E) Department. Of victims assaulted within the boundaries of the inner-city Police Division, only one quarter were recorded by the police, though half claimed police awareness of the incident. ⋯ Proportionately more female victims were recorded, compared to males. A & E data provide a useful insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of inner-city policing. Victims Support Schemes should liaise with A & E Departments as well as with the police.