Determinants of Acts Aimed at Driving to Suicide

(on materials of criminal statistics of the Russian Federation)

Abstract

A special group of offences consists of driving minors to suicide. Crimes related to driving juveniles to suicide bring considerable concern to the public consciousness. In this day and age, as electronic communication tools become more pervasive and multi-functional, their role in negatively influencing youth is greatly increased. These innovative technologies provide instantaneous transmission of information, its wide access and anonymity, which complicates the problem. Investigators face a number of challenges when investigating these offences. Firstly, in such cases, the relationship between the actions of the accused and the suicide of the victim is often unclear. Secondly, investigations inevitably involve a wide variety of investigative procedures, which require attention to age and psychosocial details, especially when dealing with juvenile victims. Thirdly, an in-depth knowledge of information technology is critical, given that this area is often the site of criminal manipulation with tragic consequences. The root of the problem lies in long and persistent conflicting relationships within the family. Such relationships lead to a sense of impasse for those under pressure. Sometimes, depressing circumstances, supported by wrongful, sometimes immoral behaviour of the offender, push the victim to suicidal thoughts.