Suicide now leading cause of death in domestic abuse cases, surpassing intimate partner homicides

A recent report reveals a concerning rise in domestic abuse-related suicides, urging a multi-agency response to address the crisis.

Domestic abuse-related suicides have overtaken intimate partner homicides for the first time, with 93 suspected suicides recorded between April 2022 and March 2023.
80% of domestic abusers involved in fatal cases were previously known to police, highlighting a significant gap in preventive measures.
The report calls for urgent collective action, emphasizing the need for more mental health support for victims and improved inter-agency cooperation.
For the year ending March 2023, there were 242 domestic abuse-related deaths in England and Wales, including unexpected deaths and child fatalities.
Authorities are urged to improve their approach to suspected suicides and to hold perpetrators accountable for their role in victims' deaths.