Characteristic features of self-immolation in a western population

Abstract

Self-immolation, or the act of deliberately burning oneself, is an unusual method of suicide rarely observed in developed countries. However, high rates of suicide utilising this method have been documented in India, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, with cases often associated with cultural, religious or political movements.1–3 Between 2000 and 2019, 39 cases of self-immolation were identified in South Australia from coronial autopsy reports at Forensic Science South Australia. While there was no obvious longitudinal trend due to the small number of cases, unique demographic characteristics and scene findings were identified.