Calls grow for suicides linked to domestic abuse to be treated as potential homicides

Politicians and experts say police should be better trained and move away from tickbox approach' to suicides

Politicians and experts have thrown their weight behind calls for suicides to be investigated as potential homicides in cases where a person who takes their own life has been affected by domestic abuse.

They also called for better training for police so that officers understand the full impact of domestic abuse, and move away from a tickbox approach" to suicides.

In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 988 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org