Increasing awareness of the links between suicide and domestic abuse
According to charity Refuge, an estimated three women a week die by suicide following domestic abuse. Statistics indicate that the number of domestic abuse victims taking their own lives has overtaken those being directly killed by their abusers.
Current research
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 experiencing sexual abuse within a relationship have an even higher risk of suicide.
The third annual report from the national Domestic Homicide Project, which works across England and Wales, was published in March 2024. The report identifies:
- that a total of 93 domestic abuse related deaths recorded between April 2022 to March 2023 were by suicide.
- the majority of victims were female aged 25 to 54 years old, and the majority of perpetrators were male and of the same age bracket.
- victims and perpetrators of ethnic minority heritages remain slightly over-represented compared with the general population.
- more victims of domestic abuse killed themselves, than were murdered by their abuser.
Risk factors
Some of the risk factors include:
- coercive controlling behaviour
- mental ill health
- alcohol and drug misuse
- relationship ending/separation (threat/fear of, or actual)
Phyllis Daly’s heart breaking story
The SETDAB conference in November 2024, focused on exploring the links between Domestic Abuse and suicide. Phyllis Daly attended to share the tragic story of her daughter, Jessie Laverack, who died after enduring domestic abuse. Phyllis said, “nobody acknowledged the link between domestic abuse and suicide. Empathy and compassion were lacking for my daughter. The perpetrator abused her, but the professionals failed to protect her.” You can read the full story here.
Further learning
- Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews involving suicide can help with learning and assist with identifying risks earlier ultimately improving intervention strategies across local services.
- The SET Professional Curiosity e-Learning helps professionals understand the importance of remaining curious whilst working with children, adults and families.
- Tim Woodhouse estimates that over 1,800 lives are being lost in domestic abuse related suicides every year. His report aims to provide the first comprehensive examination of domestic abuse related suicides and their aftermath, and includes 66 recommendations to reduce domestic abuse related suicides. The report can be downloaded here.
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)