Inquiry into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence and suicide

Terms of Reference

The Committee will inquire into and report on: - The relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) victimisation, and suicide, and the extent to which DFSV victimisation contributes to suicide risk and incidence in Australia, including prevalence, patterns, and any identifiable at-risk groups, in order to improve understanding of the role of DFSV in suicides nationally; - Opportunities for improved reporting and investigation methodologies to accurately capture and report on deaths as a result of DFSV, including the adequacy of existing data collection practices related to DFSV and suicide, and the availability, quality, and consistency of data across jurisdictions; - How legal and justice systems, DFSV specialist services, health, mental health and other services recognise and respond to suicide in the context of DFSV; - The use of suicide and threats of suicide as a tactic of coercive control by perpetrators of DFSV; - Opportunities to enhance prevention and early intervention efforts to reduce deaths by suicide in the context of DFSV victimisation and perpetration; and - Any other related matters. Please note that the Committee is examining systemic issues and cannot investigate or assist with individual cases. Parliamentary committees are unable to provide qualified, trauma-informed support to help people tell their stories safely, without riskingretraumatisation. Contributions that provide personal details or include information relating to individual circumstances will not be published. Committee SecretaryHouse of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal AffairsPO Box 6021Parliament HouseCanberra ACT 2600Phone:+61 2 6277 2358spla.reps@aph.gov.au