Suicides triggered by family violence have not been accurately reflected in statistics on lives lost to the national crisis. According to Tobin, the CEO of Safe Steps, including these cases would provide a more comprehensive view of the harm caused by family violence. In the past six months, there has been a 15% increase in the number of women calling Safe Steps for help to escape violence who have expressed thoughts of suicide. The risk assessments conducted by Safe Steps have indicated that 70% of these cases are classified as “serious risk requiring immediate protection”, putting the individuals at risk of death.
The Victoria Police’s family violence command recently reviewed two cases of women who were suspected of suiciding after experiencing extensive histories of family violence. This review was part of the family violence death review process, which typically focuses on homicides. Following a year-long effort by Tobin, the police have extended their review to include suicides linked to family violence. This ongoing annual review aims to explore the correlation between family violence and suicide and develop preventive measures based on subject-matter expertise and lived experience.
One specific family violence-suicide case that was examined by the police involved not only a woman but also her sister who both committed suicide. Callaway, a representative of the Victoria Police, highlighted that the state government’s Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy is still under development and is investigating the connections between suicide and exposure to family violence. The strategic approach will involve multiple agencies and stakeholders to address the underlying drivers of suicide, particularly where family violence is a significant contributing factor.
The Coroner’s Court in Victoria investigates all suspected suicides in the region, including those related to family violence. As part of these investigations, information is gathered from various parties, including Victoria Police and Safe Steps, to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The court considers cases where there is evidence of a history of family violence, the deceased identified family violence as a reason for suicide, or where a family violence incident occurred close to the suicide. This comprehensive approach allows for a more nuanced examination of the root causes of suicide in the context of family violence.
In response to the pressing issue of high-risk family violence offenders, Victoria Police proposed creating a register of such individuals in 2015. This measure is seen as a crucial step in reducing the rate at which Victorian women are dying due to family violence. Premier Jacinta Allan reiterated her support for this initiative, emphasizing the government’s commitment to take action on this matter. The government is exploring various options to address family violence and ensure the safety and well-being of women in the community.
To prevent suicide among family violence victim-survivors, it is crucial for women to realize that help is available to get to a safe place immediately. Safe Steps provides support services, including pilot wraparound services that have shown promising results. Callaway highlighted the collaboration between Victoria Police’s family violence command and the coroner in identifying all Victorian suicides with a history of family violence reported to the police within a specific timeframe. By working together and implementing comprehensive strategies, stakeholders aim to address the complex interplay between family violence and suicide effectively.
