Suicide and Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Insights from the Queensland Suicide Register 2000–2017

This study examined Queensland Suicide Register cases from 2000 to 2017 involving histories of intimate partner violence (IPV). Overall, 629 individuals, representing 14.7% of suicides, had perpetrated or were alleged to have perpetrated IPV. Most were men (92.7%), and Indigenous peoples were overrepresented (18.3%). Many had communicated suicidal intent (61.4%) or sought mental healthcare before death (43.9%). Autopsies commonly showed substance misuse, including alcohol, prescription, and illicit drugs. Key antecedents included domestic violence orders, receiving legal documents, and relationship conflict or separation. Factor analysis revealed three themes: chronic mental illness, youth with untreated drug use, and legal proceeding with long-term separation.