Background: Domestic and family violence (DFV) often occurs “behind closed doors” and has historically been viewed as a “private family matter” that society should not interfere with. This perception contributes to the difficulty individuals face when coming forward, as they may feel isolated, ashamed, confused, or afraid to discuss their experiences. Victims may even blame themselves for the violence, often told by their partners that they “provoked” it. Research indicates that both victims and perpetrators of DFV are at a higher risk of suicide.
Objective: This presentation will highlight the partnership between Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention FNQ and the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service to address the critical link between domestic and family violence and suicide. It will demonstrate how targeted workshops for frontline DFV workers have enhanced their capacity to recognise and respond to suicidal distress.
Methodology: The partnership focuses on capacity building through a series of workshops designed to equip DFV workers with tactical tools and effective communication strategies for engaging with individuals presenting in suicidal distress. These workshops emphasise the importance of creating environments for people to explore their feelings and challenges, and for other people to be able to hear them.
Process: The workshops involve hands-on training that encourages DFV workers to sit with individuals in distress, helping them process their emotions and experiences. Recognising the feelings of helplessness often felt by victims, the training aims to help workers to understand that their role in supporting the people they work with is a vital component of suicide prevention.
Key Achievements: By bridging the gap between DFV support and suicide prevention, this initiative fosters a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by victims and survivors. DFV workers, while skilled in assisting clients, often do not see their work as contributing to suicide prevention. Through this partnership, they are encouraged to view their efforts in a new light, recognising that their role is integral in reducing suicide risk.
Conclusion: This presentation will explore how training DFV workers can enhance their ability to identify and address suicidal distress, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for victims and survivors. By integrating suicide prevention into the framework of domestic and family violence support, the initiative promotes a comprehensive approach that addresses the complexities of both issues, fostering resilience and hope within the community.