World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
Increasing awareness of the links between suicide and domestic abuse
Research undertaken by Agenda Alliance in 2023 found that women who suffer domestic abuse are three times more likely than their peers to try to take their own life. Those who have experienced sexual abuse within a relationship have an even higher risk of suicide.
Furthermore, the third annual report from the national Domestic Homicide Project which works across England and Wales was published in March 2024. The report examines all deaths identified by police as domestic abuse related to improve understanding of risk indicators, victim, and perpetrator demographics. The report identified that a total of 242 domestic abuse related deaths were recorded between April 2022 to March 2023 – 93 of those deaths were suicide. The majority of victims being female aged 25 to 54 years old, and majority of perpetrators being male and of the same age bracket. Victims and perpetrators of ethnic minority heritages remain slightly over-represented compared with the general population.
Risk factors include:
- Coercive controlling behaviour
- Mental ill health
- Alcohol and drug misuse
- (threat/fear of, or actual) Relationship ending/separation
Working together to create a safer and supportive environment for all
SETDAB has implemented several initiatives to address both domestic abuse and suicide prevention as part of its broader strategy, with a focus on improving outcomes for victims of domestic abuse through partnerships with Essex Police and local organisations like Essex COMPASS and The Change Project. These collaborations aim to support both victims and perpetrators, addressing underlying behavioural issues to prevent further abuse and associated mental health risks like suicide.
Learning from Domestic Abuse Fatality Reviews
Additionally, domestic abuse fatality reviews have been conducted to learn from cases involving suicide, focusing on identifying risks earlier and improving intervention strategies across local services. These efforts align with broader campaigns to reduce domestic abuse and the mental health impact of domestic abuse.
Starting a conversation on suicide and suicide prevention is so important, every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.
[1] Agenda Alliance (22 February 2023) briefing paper, Underexamined and Underreported
[2] Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides 2022-2023 Report
If you or someone you know needs support regarding these topics, help is available.
- If you have been affected by domestic abuse and would like information and advice please contact COMPASS, our single point of contact for local domestic abuse services.
- You can call the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.
- For specialist support services including LGBTQ+ and support for victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse please visit: Specialist DA Services Archives – Southend and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (setdab.org)