Suicide inquests - Appeal for compassion

In the analysis section you will find a very thoughtful and passionate essay by Peg Hanafin, a counsellor, charity volunteer and humanitarian.

She argues that, far too often, the families of loved ones who die by suicide are forced to endure further pain and distress through a tortuous inquest process.

It is hard to disagree that changes are needed.

While the law demands that inquests be held in public, there must be more tranquil, more intimate and less intrusive settings than a courthouse or a hotel, where many of them are held?

Many will find it an alien environment in which to hear about their loved one’s last hours. Surely the law and compassion are not mutually exclusive?