Do you know suicide and family violence in Australia are deeply connected? Behind the numbers are real lives marked by trauma, isolation and pain. That’s why suicide prevention support and psychosocial recovery coaching are really important. 

The connection between suicide and family violence in Australia

In July 2022, Molly – a young woman in Australia, lost her life to suicide while trying to escape an abusive relationship. For her mother, Julie Adams, the pain of losing Molly was made even heavier when she discovered Molly’s husband – the man who abused her was still able to take her superannuation, even though Molly had left it all to her mum.

Jullie called the process “absolutely horrendous. This story shows how deeply family violence can wound, not only pushing victims toward suicide but also leaving families to face injustice after. 

The link between suicide and family violence has never been an issue to take lightly. 

Do you know, more than half of the women and children who died by suicide in Western Australia in 2017 had already been identified as victims of domestic violence? 

A new report from the Victorian Suicide Register looked at 4,790 suicides between 2009 and 2016. It found that 1 in 4 people who died had experienced family violence before their death. The rate was even higher for women, with signs of family violence in 28.2% of cases.

Moreover, family and domestic violence greatly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The trauma, stress, and isolation from abuse can lead to depression, anxiety and hopelessness. 

Research by Ombudsman of Western Australia found a strong link between intimate partner abuse and suicidality, showing it is a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. 

How can early suicide prevention support and safe spaces lower the risk of suicide and family violence in Australia? 

In Australia, safe spaces play an important role in supporting people experiencing family and domestic violence. They provide a secure and welcoming environment where people can feel protected, listened to and understood. 

Instead of turning to hospital emergency departments, those in crisis can go to these spaces to receive calm, non-clinical support, often from peers with lived experience. 

This helps reduce distress and stigma, while fostering safety, respect and connection, all of which are important in preventing suicide.

Besides, psychosocial recovery coaching can help in breaking the cycle of trauma and lowering suicide risk. They can help by:

• Emotional healing: Therapy and support programs give people space to process painful memories and manage distress.
• Restoring resilience: Empowers survivors by fostering self-efficacy, hope and resilience, enabling them to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of helplessness linked to trauma cycles.
• Social connection: Psychosocial programs help people build supportive networks that give them a sense of belonging and reduce isolation, protecting them from further trauma and suicide risk.
• Reducing long-term risk: Research shows psychosocial care lowers repeated self-harm and suicidal deaths by strengthening resilience. 

How can Lotus help you on this journey? 

At Lotus, we’re proud to be a trusted NDIS registered provider. This means we can support you with the highest standards of care. Our team brings decades of experience in nursing, disability and mental health. We show up with compassion and see you as a person, not just a case file.

Lotus also offers psychosocial recovery coaching and NDIS mental health services for people living with trauma and family violence. Some of our team members have faced similar challenges, so we know how deep the wounds can be. That’s why we approach your care with real understanding and compassion. With a plan tailored just for you, we aim to make a lasting difference in your recovery.

Suicide and family violence in Australia is a serious issue that needs urgent care and attention.
Going through or trying to get over a traumatic event in your life can be really hard. But we want you to know you’re never alone. With proper suicide prevention support, Lotus, your trusted NDIS mental health services, can walk beside you and help you find healing and hope!