Annually on September 10, organisations across the world recognise this day to raise global awareness and promote action to prevent suicide.
When we talk about domestic abuse and sexual violence, we often focus on the immediate harm caused. Yet for many victim-survivors, the impact extends far beyond the abuse itself and the effects can ripple through every part of life. That is why conversations about domestic abuse and sexual violence must also include conversations about suicide.
Recent research and national data have highlighted a stark reality: suicide linked to domestic abuse is a significant and growing concern.
The National Domestic Homicide Project found that, in England and Wales, suspected victim suicides following domestic abuse have become the most commonly recorded domestic abuse-related death. 1Between April 2024 and March 2025, 150 suspected victim suicides following domestic abuse were recorded, compared with 125 domestic homicides. Across a five-year period, 553 suspected victim suicides following domestic abuse were identified, accounting for 38% of all domestic abuse-related deaths recorded by the project.
These figures are deeply sobering. But they also tell us something important: suicide in the context of abuse is not rare and it is often the tragic consequence of prolonged trauma, fear, control and harm.
Many victim-survivors describe feeling trapped, isolated or overwhelmed. They may have experienced years of coercive control, threats, humiliation, physical violence or sexual violence. Some have been cut off from friends, family and support networks. Others face financial abuse, housing insecurity, or ongoing harassment after leaving an abusive relationship.
These experiences can contribute to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
2Research involving women who died by suicide while under the care of mental health services found that more than a quarter had experienced domestic violence. Those women were more likely to have a history of self-harm, PTSD and multiple adverse life events.
The statistics can feel overwhelming, but they also point us towards action.
3In 88% of suspected victim suicide cases following domestic abuse, there was a known history of domestic abuse before the person’s death. This tells us that opportunities often exist to identify risk and provide support earlier because:
- Every conversation matters.
- Every routine enquiry matters.
- Every professional who understands the signs of abuse matters.
- Every friend, family member, colleague or neighbour who listens without judgement matters.
By improving awareness, strengthening trauma-informed services, challenging harmful attitudes and ensuring people can access support when they need it, we can help reduce risk and create pathways to safety and recovery.
Alice Bentley, Manager of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence team at Bradford Council said:
“Domestic abuse and sexual violence can leave deep and lasting scars, often hidden from view. For some victim-survivors, the weight of trauma, fear, shame, and isolation can feel overwhelming. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we want every victim and survivor to know this: you are not alone, what happened to you is not your fault, and support is available. By listening without judgement, believing survivors, and creating safer communities, we can help restore hope and save lives.”
We know from research that domestic abuse and sexual violence are risk factors for suicide in both perpetrators and victims. Suicide is deeply individual and can be difficult to understand or predict. But we also know that having access support can change that.
Understanding the impact of trauma and mental health problems, responding with empathy and asking questions about how someone is coping and feeling provides an opportunity to support someone who is struggling. Suicide is preventable through acting early, creating safety plans or asking for extra support if a person is having suicidal thoughts. It’s important for everyone to know that things can change and people recover from trauma and mental health problems.
Jo James, Senior Public Health Specialist and Suicide Prevention Lead
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, or if these issues have affected your mental health, please know that you are not alone. Support is available, and change is possible. Please reach out to the following services:
Samaritans (24/7): Call 116 123 free, any time, day or night.
NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support.
Shout (24/7 text support): Text SHOUT to 85258.
CALM: Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight daily).
For specific support around domestic abuse and sexual violence, please contact:
Survive and Thrive: 0808 2800 999
Bradford Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Survivors Service: 0800 448 0710
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Further information on World Suicide Prevention Day can be found here:
https://www.iasp.info/wp-content/uploads/2026-IASP-WSPD-Campaign-Pack_compressed.pdf
1 womensgrid.org.uk, vkpp.org.uk
2 thelancet.com