A BBC investigation has uncovered troubling details about a pro-suicide website, which has become a focal point for individuals seeking to end their lives together. The investigation reveals that more than 700 users in the UK have turned to the site’s “partners thread” to find suicide partners, leading to several double suicides.
The website, which the BBC has chosen not to name, features a members-only section where users can connect with others who share their intent to commit suicide. The “partners thread” is particularly concerning, as it not only facilitates these connections but also provides instructions and encouragement for suicide.
Angela Stevens, whose 28-year-old son Brett took his life in December 2019 after meeting a woman from the site, has been deeply affected by the site’s practices.
Brett traveled from his Midlands home to Scotland to meet the woman he had met through the partners thread. The pair rented an Airbnb and took their lives together. Angela describes the site as a “very dangerous place” and likens it to a dark version of a dating app, expressing horror at the notion of people seeking partners to end their lives with.
Since Brett’s death, Angela has dedicated herself to researching the site, particularly the partners thread, in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. She is deeply disturbed by the site’s promotion of suicide and the detailed instructions it provides to users.
The BBC’s investigation has linked several double suicides to interactions on the partners thread. An analysis of the site revealed more than 5,000 posts from users around the world discussing and planning their suicides.
While the BBC has refrained from naming the site or detailing the methods promoted, previous reports have indicated that the site has been associated with more than 130 British suicides involving a chemical substance promoted on the platform.
In light of these findings, there is increasing concern about the role such sites play in facilitating and encouraging suicide. The investigation highlights the need for increased scrutiny and intervention to protect vulnerable individuals who may be drawn to these online communities.
Authorities and mental health organizations are now calling for stricter regulations on pro-suicide websites and more robust support systems for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. The investigation underscores the urgent need for action to address the dangerous practices of such online platforms and to provide better resources for individuals in crisis.
As the BBC continues to explore the implications of this investigation, the focus remains on understanding how these sites operate and finding ways to mitigate their harmful impact on individuals seeking support in their darkest moments.
