No increase in Victorian suicides under COVID-19, shows new coronial report

Thursday 27 August 2020

A new data report released today by the Coroners Court of Victoria reveals that the number of suicides in the state this year is consistent with the same period for 2019.

The report, which presents an analysis of all Victorian suicides from 1 January 2016 to 26 August 2020, shows that there have been 466 suicides this year, compared to 468 suicides this time last year. 

Underlying trends across age and gender are also presented in the data, with males three times more likely to die by suicide than females and males aged 25─55 years at highest risk. 

Today’s release marks the first of ongoing monthly public data reports on suicide from the Court, aimed at supporting safe and open conversations about suicide and prevention in the community.

In Victoria all suspected suicides are required to be reported to the Court for investigation. Newly reported deaths are reviewed daily and recorded in the Court’s Victorian Suicide Register (VSR), the state’s most accurate real-time database on suicides and the source for the Court’s data reporting.  

The Court also shares data from the VSR with State and Commonwealth governments to inform their work in suicide prevention.

A copy of the report can be accessed at:

https://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/Coroners%20Court%20Monthy%20Suicide%20Data%20Report%20-%20Report%201%20-%2027082020.pdf

Quotes from the State Coroner, Judge John Cain

“There is clearly growing awareness and community concern regarding mental health and suicide ─ and everyone should have access to the facts.” 

“While it is encouraging to see there has not been an increase in suicides to date, our focus is to prevent all suicide deaths and see the figures go down.” 

“Open, transparent discussions are critical to reducing suicides, but must be handled with care.”

“The release of these data reports will enable accurate and safe conversations about suicide in Victoria.”

For help or information contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Media Contact:
Claudia Hodgens
Strategic Communications Manager
0407 403 371
mediaenquiries@courts.vic.gov.au