Suicide cases triggered by family violence have often been overlooked in official statistics, leading to a misrepresentation of the true extent of harm caused by the national crisis. In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of women seeking urgent assistance to escape violence who also reported feeling actively suicidal. Safe Steps, a support service for victims of family violence, has noted that 70% of their risk assessments are classified as serious risk requiring immediate protection, indicating a high likelihood of potential death.
Victoria Police’s family violence command has taken steps to address the link between family violence and suicide, which has traditionally been excluded from their death review process focused on homicides. Through a review of select cases, including one involving the suicides of two women connected to the same perpetrator, they have begun to recognize the importance of understanding and addressing this intersection. The state government is also in the process of developing a Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy that will explore the connections between suicide and exposure to family violence, aiming to create a preventative multi-agency response based on expertise and lived experience.
The Coroner’s Court of Victoria is actively investigating suspected suicides, including those related to family violence, to gain a better understanding of underlying issues. Cases deemed as family violence-related suicides may involve evidence of a history of abuse, self-identification of family violence as a contributing factor, or proximity to a violent incident prior to the suicide. By involving various parties such as Victoria Police and Safe Steps in the process, the court aims to inform their assessment of the circumstances surrounding these deaths.
Efforts are being made to reduce the rate of family violence-related deaths, including the creation of a high-risk offender register proposed by Victoria Police in 2015. This proposed measure, along with other strategies under consideration by ministers, is seen as a critical step towards preventing further tragedies. The government recognizes its role in leading and taking action to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of societal responsibility in calling out unacceptable behavior and potentially saving lives.
To help prevent suicides among family violence victim-survivors, it is essential for women to realize that help is available to them at any time through services like Safe Steps. While many survivors end up in temporary accommodations like hotels or motels, there are pilot wraparound services that have shown a higher success rate in helping women transition to a safe and fresh start. By providing immediate support and resources, it is hoped that more individuals can be guided towards a path of safety and healing, away from the cycle of violence.
Overall, there is a growing awareness within law enforcement, support services, and government agencies about the need to address the complex dynamics of family violence and its connection to suicide. By implementing comprehensive reviews, preventative measures, and collaborative strategies, there is a concerted effort to better understand and respond to the intersecting issues of family violence and suicide. This approach, guided by data, expertise, and shared commitment, aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by these devastating realities.
