Terms of Reference

The Committee will inquire into and report on:

  1. 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;
  2. 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;
  3. How legal and justice systems, DFSV specialist services, health, mental health and other services recognise and respond to suicide in the context of DFSV;
  4. The use of suicide and threats of suicide as a tactic of coercive control by perpetrators of DFSV;
  5. Opportunities to enhance prevention and early intervention efforts to reduce deaths by suicide in the context of DFSV victimisation and perpetration; and
  6. 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 risking retraumatisation. Contributions that provide personal details or include information relating to individual circumstances will not be published.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs
PO Box 6021
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 2358
spla.reps@aph.gov.au

About this inquiry

The Committee is inquiring into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) victimisation and suicide, and how more accurate data and trends on DFSV deaths can be obtained.

Track Inquiry

Inquiry Status

Accepting Submissions

How to make a submission

The committee invites individuals and organisations to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions)

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wishes to can participate in the Committee’s inquiry. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the Committee Secretariat.

Further information regarding accessibility can be found at www.aph.gov.au/Help/Accessibility