3 Sep 2019
Figures from the Official for National Statistics show that suicides in females aged 10 to 24 have risen by 83 per cent in six years. It is now at the highest rate on record for their age group.
Responding, Jessica Southgate, Policy Manager at Agenda, the alliance of women and girls at risk, said:
“It is a national disgrace that the number of young women and girls taking their own lives is the highest we’ve ever seen.
“These figures are yet another alarming sign of a growing mental health crisis among them and should be a wake-up call to us all.
“We need to start having a serious conversation about what is behind this rise, particularly the potential impact of violence and abuse on girls’ mental health.
“It is vital we see concerted action to stop the suffering and unnecessary deaths of so many of our girls.
“We need investment in mental health support that takes into account their needs and experiences, including the impact of violence and abuse, in both schools and the community to ensure they get the support they need, when they need it.”