The charity Samaritans today said “our only agenda is reducing suicide” after a row broke out on social media over its tweet about trans and non-binary suicide rates.
The Charity Commission said it was investigating a complaint made against the voluntary organisation in connection with a Twitter post that said “trans people have higher rates of self-harm and suicide than cisgender people”.
The post added: “One study found trans people were at twice the risk of suicide attempts compared to cisgender females and four times compared to cisgender males.”
Some people replied, challenging the figures and calling for action against Samaritans.
@thefempire50 said: “This is careless and sloppy @Samaritans, you of all people should know better than to use such glib reporting on suicide.”
@katbalmy added: “I suggest everyone highlights this to the @ChtyCommission organisations in a place of trust should not get away with lying like this.”
Others defended Samaritans, with @Qoxy147 saying: “I used to work for Comic Relief and Samaritans and at both saw data on rates of self-harm and suicide in trans people. Compared to cisgender people, they’re off the charts (comparative, not absolute terms, obvs). It’s scary.”
@AllyFogg said: “Just found out activists have been harassing Samaritans for over a week now. Up to & including dobbing them to the Charity Commission for the crime of acknowledging that trans people exist & are at higher risk of suicide.”
The storm started on 20 November when Samaritans tweeted: “It’s Trans Day of Remembrance today, which can be a difficult and upsetting time.
“We know social media in particular can be a tough place to be for trans and non-binary people & their loved ones, especially on days like today. We’re here to listen and stand alongside you.”
It received a number of replies and later posted the tweet about trans and non-binary suicide rates.
The debate became increasingly heated, with a number of tweets hidden by Twitter due to their ‘offensive’ nature.
Samaritans moved to lower the temperature by closing down replies. It said: “We’ve restricted replies to protect our supporters, staff & volunteers, & anyone who may find today difficult.
“Today is about honouring & remembering those who’ve been lost, not a time for debate.”
Today a Samaritans spokesperson said: “Samaritans is here for anyone who is struggling and feeling they need emotional support, but not everyone may realise that they can contact us.
“It is important we reach out to those different groups and communities in particular need of support to make them aware that they can talk to our volunteers without fear of being judged or told what to do. The only agenda at Samaritans is reducing suicide.”
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint about social media activity by Samaritans.
“We are assessing the information to determine whether there is a role for the Commission in this matter.”