New report shows small increase in Victorian suicides in 2025

Friday 13 March 2026

A new report released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria shows a small increase in Victorian suicide deaths last year, with 782 Victorians dying by suicide in 2025 compared to 776 in 2024.

The report, Coroners Court of Victoria Monthly Suicide Data Report – December 2025 update, contains the first release of the full year coronial suicide data for 2025, and comparative annual figures from 2021 onwards including demographic information such as age, sex and whether the fatal incident occurred in a regional or metropolitan location.

Key findings in the report show that in 2025:

Suicide deaths remain higher amongst males (72.1%) than females (27.9%).
For males, the highest number of suicides were seen in the 35–44 (22%), 45–54 (20.4%) and 25–34 (16.5%) age cohorts.
Amongst females, those also aged 35–44 (19.3%), 45–54 (17.4%) and 25–34 (14.7%) were most frequently represented in the data.
There were 23 suicides of people under 18 compared to 14 in 2024 and 25 in 2023.
Overall, the highest number of suicides occurred in the 35–44 age group (21.2%).
Consistent with previous years, a higher proportion of suicides in Victoria were reported in metropolitan Melbourne (68%) compared to rural areas (32%).

In Victoria, all suspected suicides are reported to the Court and investigated by coroners to determine the circumstances of each death and, where appropriate, make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Most of the cases reported to the Court in 2025 are the subject of active coronial investigations focused on identifying the complex drivers that contribute to these deaths and opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

In addition to investigating individual deaths, the Court monitors and regularly shares data with State and Commonwealth governments to inform their work in suicide prevention.

This data is sourced from the Victorian Suicide Register (VSR). Maintained by the Court, the VSR is the state’s most accurate real-time database on suicides – with newly reported deaths reviewed daily to identify and record those occurring in circumstances consistent with suicide.

Quotes attributable to State Coroner, Judge Liberty Sanger:

“Far too many Victorians continue to die by suicide each year and the ongoing impacts of these deaths are deeply felt by families and communities across the state.”

“Suicide affects people from all walks of life and is driven by many risk factors – effective prevention requires a joint effort between government, health services, and at the community level to save lives.”

“Sharing coronial data provides an evidence-based foundation for prevention initiatives and an opportunity for meaningful discussions about suicide.”

Access the report here.

Media contact:
0407 403 371
mediaenquiries@courts.vic.gov.au