What are the circumstances leading to suicide among victims of domestic abuse and how do these differ between men and women?

Background Government data shows that 5656 people died by suicide in England during 2023 (ONS, 2024). I have identified that 16% (136/853) of suicides in Kent are amongst victims of domestic abuse (Woodhouse, 2024). If the 16% proportion is extrapolated nationally, it would mean approximately 900 domestic abuse victims taking their own lives every year. The Government has called for more research into the relationship between domestic abuse and suicide (Dept Health, 2023). Aim To understand the circumstances leading to suicide in victims of domestic abuse and how these differ between men and women, in order to identify opportunities for intervention that may lead to a reduction in suicide amongst victims of domestic abuse. Objectives To explore the commonalities and differences between male and female victims of domestic abuse who die by suicide. To compare the commonalities and differences between domestic abuse victims who die by suicide and non-victims of domestic abuse who die by suicide. To compare the behaviours and feelings relating to domestic abuse which mean that some victims attempt suicide. To develop and disseminate training resources to reduce the risk of suicide in victims of domestic abuse Methods A PPI advisory panel has supported the development of this proposal and will continue to guide the explanatory sequential mixed methodology: Phase 1 (supporting all objectives) A narrative literature review exploring: Domestic abuse-related suicides How domestic abuse impacts mental health Differences in how men and women experience domestic abuse Gender differences relating to suicide Phase 2 (supporting objectives 1 and 2) Quantitative analysis of an existing secondary data set, the Kent Real Time Suicide Surveillance (RTSS). The RTSS database holds 853 records of suspected suicides (between Jan 2018 and Sept 2024) of which 136 (16%) were identified as a victim of domestic abuse (48 women and 88 men). The RTSS contains demographic details as well as wider factors such as whether the deceased was a victim and/or a perpetrator of domestic abuse, and whether they had had contact with mental health or substance misuse services. I will produce descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and correlations to allow comparisons between four groups: Female victims of domestic abuse Female non-victims of domestic abuse Male victims of domestic abuse Male non-victims of domestic abuse Multi-variable regression models will also be considered. Phase 3 (supporting objective 3) I will conduct approximately 50 semi-structured interviews with abuse victims who have attempted suicide; domestic abuse professionals; and family members who have been bereaved as a result of domestic abuse-related suicides. A purposive sampling approach will be taken and recruitment will be through local domestic abuse charities. Phase 4 (supporting objective 4) Develop guidance and training resources for people who support domestic abuse victims. Timelines Year 1 Phase 1 Narrative literature review, PPI workshops, ethics approval Year 2 Phase 2 and 3 fieldwork and analysis, PPI workshops Year 3 Prepare thesis, PPI workshops, Phase 4 production and dissemination of outputs. Dissemination To maximise impact I'll: host a conference produce guidance for practitioners prepare policy briefings publish articles