JEDDAH: There was an increase in attempted suicides among unmarried women from Riyadh, according to a study conducted from 1422H to 1426H (1999 to 2003). The study was conducted by researcher Fawz Al-Onizi and showed that the rate of suicide attempts among females had risen, but was still less than those of males. The study was conducted on a sample of women from Riyadh, most of them unmarried students. The number of those who attempted suicide – including the ones who succeeded – reached 110 in 1422. It dropped to 23 cases in 1423; 23 in 1424; 25 in 1425; and 26 cases in 1426. Reasons for suicide attempts varied, she said. Family problems accounted for 46.7 percent; marital problems 26.5 percent; disputes with others, including friends at school, accounted for 13.3 percent; psychological problems and drug abuse came last at 17.4 percent and 2.4 percent respectively. Dr. Maysoon Al-Dhakheel, a psychology researcher, said many of the young women who attempted suicide were under social and psychological pressure. She said there must be a hotline to human rights bodies and newspapers, staffed with specialists and volunteers. This will allow young men and women to speak about their problems. She said women suffer more from domestic violence and injustice in Saudi society than men. The issue of Adl, where a father prevents his daughter from marrying without a legitimate reason - mostly because of the daughter's salary if she is employed - is one of the major reasons for committing suicide. Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen, a member of the National Society of Human Rights (NSHR), said the society's studies show that those thinking about committing suicide suffer from domestic violence and sexual harassment. The NSHR is currently holding discussions with the Ministry of Social Affairs to set up a special division to provide support and psychological, social and vocational rehabilitation. She said the society had dealt with young women who said they could not tolerate the pressure from their family members.
