My wonderful, caring 25 year old daughter died by suicide last year. She was depressed, not a criminal. According to Virginia law, members of your family, or your friends who died by suicide are criminals because suicide is a common law crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This type of law perpetuates the stigma of depression. Those that attempt or die by suicide are not criminals; feelings of hopelessness are not criminal acts.  Ireland and England once considered suicide a common law crime, but changed years ago.
So should Virginia.... please sign the petition and contact your delegate in Richmond. (virginiageneralassembly.gov)  CHANGE THE LAW / CHANGE THE PERCEPTION    Thank you.