New report shows small reduction in Victorian suicides in 2024
Wednesday 26 February 2025
A new report released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria shows that there was a small reduction in the number of annual suicides in Victoria during 2024.
The report – Coroners Court Monthly Suicide Data Report - December 2024 update – is the first release of full year Victorian coronial suicide data for 2024 and shows 772 people died by suicide in 2024, compared to 795 people in 2023 (a 2.8% decrease).
Today’s report also includes comparative annual demographic data from 2020 onwards, including age, gender and location (Metropolitan vs Regional).
Key findings in the report show that in 2024:
- Suicide frequencies remain higher amongst males than females (72.9% male, 27.1% female).
- The decrease in overall number of suicides in 2024 was more pronounced in females (17 less than in 2023) than males (6 less than in 2023).
- For males, the age groups of 35–44 (20.1%), 65 and over (18.3%) and 45–54 (17.9%) had the highest numbers of suicides.
- Among females the highest number of suicides occurred in the cohorts aged 35–44 (20.6%), 25–34 (20.1%) and 45–54 (17.2%).
- Overall, the 35–44 age group experienced the highest number of suicides (20.2%).
- Consistent with previous years’ data, a higher proportion of suicides occurred in Metropolitan Melbourne (66%) than in Regional Victoria (34%).
In Victoria all suspected suicides must be reported to the Court for investigation.
The data in this report 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.
Most of the deaths recorded in 2024 remain under investigation by coroners to understand the circumstances of these deaths along with opportunities for suicide prevention initiatives.
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.
Quotes from Victorian State Coroner, Judge John Cain
"Every loss to suicide is a tragedy and has far reaching impacts for families and our community."
"While we saw a small reduction in suicides last year, the number of lives lost continues to be troubling – we must do more to create a sustained reduction in these preventable deaths."
"Suicide is complex and a multifaceted approach is needed to minimise harm – sharing coronial data helps to support this work across government, the prevention sector and the community."
A copy of the report can be accessed here.
Media Contact:
Claudia Hodgens
T: 0407 403 371
E: mediaenquiries@courts.vic.gov.au