Main > SCA Proc > General Instructions > Communicating with Clients > Suicide Threat
Client expresses threat (suicide, abuse, etc.) [updated 1.31.08]
I have never heard of this happening via the phone, but the forums have had posts threatening violence, suicide, etc. Just in case this ever happens on the phone, here are some comments that might help you know how to handle the issue.
(This post is in response to a suicide threat posted to the year 5 forum. A moderator contacted someone near to this person and they agreed to contact the person directly.)
Here is what we think we can do and when we can do something . . . . Posted By: Wayne at Sonlight Date: Sat, 26 October 2002, at 9:01 a.m. In Response To: ok...what do I do with this information from Trish in NZ? (Barbara for Sonlight)
First of all, thank you ladies for being so attentive to the needs and hurts of those on the forums. You provide an invaluable service!
We do have to be VERY careful when inserting ourselves into a situation like this one. IF we can help, generally by seeking out someone close by that MAY be willing to help, we do so. Any such reaching out is strictly voluntary. In the most severe cases, please refer them to us, and we will see what we can do. If VERY severe, we can contact the local law enforcement agencies and make them aware of our information. We would do this to prevent violence, and so forth. However, we would never do this lightly or without real fear -- the fear being that our failure to act could be horrific!
We have in the past, and would do so again if appropriate, contacted the person directly to ascertain the reality of the circumstance and encourage them to reach out to family, church, of friends.
None of the above is rigid. We simply want to be responsible and helpful, where and when it makes sense. These things are SO hard to really know what is true and right; we DEPEND upon the Lord to help us discern our role and timing.
Of course, we can all pray for these situations and trust God to intervene as only He can.
I just wanted to address this a bit, as it is serious and we do desire to do what is prudent in all circumstances. Again, thank YOU for being there for all of our users! Wayne at Sonlight