THE Fiji Police Force is alarmed with the increase in suicides and attempted suicide cases.
So far this year, there has been 74 suicides and attempted suicide cases compared to 62 for the same period last year.
From January 1 to April 21, police recorded 38 suicides and 36 attempted suicide cases compared to 14 suicides and 48 attempted suicides for the same period in 2011.
Director of operations Senior Superintendent of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the cases this year were alarming as most were the result of domestic disputes or family problems that could easily be solved through dialogue.
SSP Tudravu said the statistics this year when compared to last year showed a major increase.
"This is an alarming rate, especially when you consider the victims who are between the ages of 17 and 20, and above 25 years of age," he said.
"The Fiji Police Force is stressing the need for more understanding towards problems that are the major causes of young people resorting to drastic means to solve their problems.
"The police force values the lives of all citizens of Fiji," he added.
SSP Tudravu said suicide was too horrible a legacy to inflict upon the family, friends and other loved ones.
"For children, they cannot ever truly recover from such a loss," he said.
"Suicide leaves deep canyons of pain, sorrow and chaos for each person touched."
SSP Tudravu said suicide should not be the right way to handle problems.