Domestic abuse and suicide are both recognised as major public health concerns. National research, combined with local data from Northumbria Police, is now highlighting a critical and often overlooked connection between the two: women and girls who experience domestic abuse may face an increased risk of dying by suicide.
While both domestic abuse and suicidality are complex and influenced by many factors, the evidence is clear. Experiences of domestic abuse, in any form, can increase suicide risk for women and girls. Local intelligence from Northumbria Police, alongside national research, reinforces the need to recognise domestic abuse not only as a safeguarding issue, but also as a significant factor in suicide prevention and mental health support.
Recent work by Tim Woodhouse has brought renewed attention to this issue, challenging professionals across health, care, policing and the voluntary sector to think differently about risk, warning signs and opportunities for early intervention. Too often, domestic abuse and suicidality are addressed separately, meaning vital opportunities to identify risk and provide timely support can be missed.
Raising awareness of the link between domestic abuse and suicidality is an essential first step. For people working across health, care, safeguarding and community settings, this means:
Connecting learning and intelligence across agencies – including health, local authorities, police and the voluntary sector – is vital to improving outcomes and reducing risk.
Developing the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to these issues is crucial. A range of trusted learning and training resources are available to support staff and volunteers to build their understanding of domestic abuse, suicide risk and trauma‑informed responses, including:
Accessing shared learning, strengthening local partnerships and embedding this knowledge into everyday practice can help ensure that people affected by domestic abuse receive timely, compassionate and appropriate support.
Preventing suicide among women and girls affected by domestic abuse requires collective responsibility across the system. By improving awareness, strengthening professional curiosity and embedding learning into everyday practice, we can better identify risk, intervene earlier, and save lives.
