Mother-daughter deaths show city’s vulnerable need better support

The 48-year-old woman, a government social worker with no mental illness record, died after falling from her 19th-floor flat in the middle-class neighbourhood of Taikoo Shing on Wednesday. About 10 hours later, her 12-year-old daughter was found dead at the same scene. The pair had reportedly argued over education problems.

The circumstances contributing to the decision to take one’s own life are often complex. While academic pressure in Hong Kong is notoriously intense and often takes an emotional toll on children and parents alike, it remains unclear whether the family concerned was beset with other problems.

One source said the girl was recommended to see a doctor for her emotional well-being following her mother’s death and met a registered clinical psychologist. She was accompanied by her father when she returned home in the evening. Minutes later, residents heard a bang and the girl was found lying on the podium.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said the decision to let the girl return home after her mother’s suicide had been a “professional” call by doctors and social workers. “I know all are concerned about whether there are other aspects that could have been done better, but I think they are all professionals and they had to make a decision,” Sun said.

It might sound merely speculative to ask whether the tragic outcome could have been averted, but the questions go to the heart of the welfare of those who are vulnerable. Some experts suggest it would have been better for the girl to stay away from home for some time while others say the incident shows that an accurate assessment of suicide tendency is difficult even with professional assessment. What is clear is that prevention of suicide cannot rest solely on counselling. Suicides remain a pressing social problem and call for more sensitive and effective responses.