Strengthening Prevention: Enhancing Frontline Services to Support Individuals in Staying Safe from Suicide Following Domestic Abuse

Individuals experiencing domestic abuse face a significantly heightened risk of suicide, yet current systems fail to safeguard them effectively. This policy brief, based on research commissioned by the Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, presents urgent recommendations to strengthen frontline responses across health and criminal justice services.

Drawing on interviews with survivors of domestic abuse, police and coroner data, and a comprehensive literature review, the brief highlights critical gaps in service provision and outlines practical, trauma-informed solutions. These include mandatory suicide safeguarding protocols, survivor-led training for professionals, and the development of national suicide prevention pathways tailored to the needs of domestic abuse survivors.

The brief calls for a coordinated, multi-agency approach that recognises the complexities of abuse, trauma, and suicidality, and prioritises compassionate, context-sensitive care over clinical diagnosis alone.