Suicide Prevention Strategies
Initiatives in various countries to reduce the number of suicides on railway rights of ways can be considered to follow these steps:
- Analysis of the incidence and characteristics of railway suicides in the targeted areas.
- Analysis of the psychosocial, medical ,and environmental characteristics of railway suicides.
- Analysis of the geographical and spcyo-social context (population, track and traffic density, local suicide rates, presence of mental health institutions, etc.).
- Identification of promising activities to help reduce the incidence of railway suicides.
- Involvment of local stakeholders.
- Implementing activities.
- Evaluating the implementation and effects of each individual activity as well as their overall impact.
Here are a few examples of such initiatives developed in different contexts around the world:
|
Country |
Source |
Project carrier |
stakeholders |
Characteristics of railway suicide targeted by strategy |
Suicide prevention activities |
|
Belgium |
Andriessen, Krysinska (2011) |
Infrabel |
Suicide prevention organisations
Research teams Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan |
Hotspots |
Analysis of hotspots and interventions: e.g. Fencing Destroying old platforms Improving drivers’ visibility Emergency call system on platforms Raising community awareness of mental health facilities Improving surveillance and lighting Training staff to identify at risk persons Responsible media reporting |
|
Australia |
Lifeline Foundation. (2012) |
Track safe foundation |
Mental health services Police Local government Railway employees |
Open tracks Configuration of stations Targeting at risk populations |
Media and Communication Guidelines on Rail Suicide Promotion of Help Seeking to People in Personal Crisis Best Practice Techniques to Support Rail Personnel Surveillance and Monitoring on Open Track Areas Site Specific Initiatives on ‘Hot Spot’ Stations Training Rail Personnel – Suicide Risk Alerts Protocols with Health/Police – High Risk Individuals |
