Scary Attacks In Public

Bini Dahal

One of the most traumatising crimes today appears to be an attack on strangers in a public space. Just a few days back, the city of Sydney in Australia was hounded by an attack. Such a horrible violence took place in a busy shopping mall. According to media reports, six people lost their lives and dozens others, including a nine-month old baby, sustained injuries in the incident. The perpetrator, a 40-year-old-man, was shot dead by police in the mall itself. In its rigorous investigation, the police got to know that the man targeted only women, while avoiding men. It was found that he suffered from schizophrenia, a kind of mental illness. And his action was stemmed from frustration of not being able to make a girlfriend because of his lack of social skills. 

For the general public, reading this news can force them to immediately make a connection between mental illness and violence. Today, mental health in general has become an important topic of discussion globally. This issue seems to have been exacerbating over the years even in Nepal, with more and more suicidal cases being reported every year. Health professionals are of the view that individuals should be both physically as well as mentally healthy. 

However, with changing times, a growing number of people are suffering from one or other form of mental health disorder. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people are going through mental health conditions worldwide. But, coming directly to such a conclusion is not right. While some cases have been linked to mental illness, that is not the case for all. Similar public attacks had taken place in South Korea as well. A man was found getting involved in mass stabbing in a fully packed subway station, spreading terror to the general public in that East Asian nation. Then, it was reported that the man had no particular motive behind committing the crime. 

Another alike incident recently happened in Sydney where a 16-year-old boy attacked the bishop of a church and several churchgoers. At least four people were stated to have been stabbed. But thankfully, the violence was not life-threatening. The Australian government has termed it as a terrorist attack. This case clearly reflects how it is difficult to exactly ascertain what pushes a perpetrator to commit such a crime. 

Attacking people publicly, with or without any motive is violent and deadly. But it is key to remember that not everyone who is suffering from mental illness shows violent characteristics. Also, even without suffering from any mental illness, people could take up the wrong step of causing harm to others. Researches have highlighted that mental disorders are neither necessary nor sufficient cause of violence. Rather, socio-economic and socio-demographic factors have been pointed to as the cause of violence. Amidst these situations, it is crucial to identify the root causes and other loopholes and gaps. Promoting good mental health care for all is necessary. 

But addressing core socio-economic issues and other ethnic and religious problems are equally important. In cases where symptoms of mental disorder have caused violence, without causing too much stigma to mental health and well-being, governments and concerned stakeholders should make the effort to help people progress in their lives. Because it is difficult to predict when such heinous crimes can take place, the government and the police should promote and strengthen security measures. Increasing public awareness and monitoring can help too.