In early January, StigmaWatch contributor John Bradley responded to an article published in The Sunday Age 'Hidden lows a trap for fly-in, fly-out workers' which used the term 'committed suicide'.
The Australian Press Council has standards relating to suicide which note 'It may be preferable to use words such as “died by suicide” or “took his life” rather than a term such as “committed suicide” which can imply commission of a crime.'
Certainly for those like Mr Bradley whose lives have been touched by suicide the use of the term 'committed' can be very stigmatising as it assigns blame and can sometimes prevent people from seeking help.
Mr Bradley took action by contacting the journalist who wrote the article directly and raising his concerns in a respectful manner. His efforts were rewarded as the journalist thanked Mr Bradley for bringing the inappropriate language to her attention.
The SANE Media Centre provides guidelines on how to make a complaint to a media outlet which offer tips on how to be effective in taking action against stigma.
