Latest suicide data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

02-Oct-2017

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Latest suicide data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released their report on the Leading Causes of Death for 2016. The report shows that the number of people who died from intentional self-harm has decreased since 2015.

Kim O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of On the Line, said: “On the Line welcomes the news that the number of deaths by suicide went down in 2016. However, we still face a lot of challenges to get the number even lower. Men, in particular, are struggling to seek support when things go wrong. Over 2,100 men died by suicide last year compared to 715 women.”

“On the Line is encouraging men to reach out to speak to one of our professionally trained counsellors at Suicide Call Back Service, SuicideLine Victoria, and MensLine Australia. Our counsellors are experts in men’s issues, and telephone counselling offers immediate support,” said Ms O’Neill.

Key findings:

  • The number of people who died by suicide was 2,866.
  • Death by suicide was ranked 15th in the leading causes of death, but amongst men, it was ranked 10th.
  • Death by suicide among males was three times higher than it was for females.
  • The death rate for suicide among men was 17.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
  • Suicide was the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 44 years.

For anyone who is thinking about suicide, it is important to remember that the feelings can dissipate. Experiencing the feelings does not mean you have to act on them. On the Line counsellors are available 24 hours, seven days a week. You can call us on:

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251

If it is an emergency, call 000.

For further information, please visit the ABS website to read the report.

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About On the Line Australia

On the Line is a national provider of some of Australia’s most vital and trusted services including MensLine Australia, Suicide Call Back Service and SuicideLine (Victoria). On the Line counsellors are expert in suicide and trauma-informed practice for anyone affected by suicide, mental health, men’s mental health, family violence (using and experiencing), healthy relationships, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse.

Our 24/7 telephone, web chat and video counselling services are staffed by professional counsellors, psychologists or social workers. All our counsellors are multi-skilled across telephone, web chat and video counselling and highly experienced providing interventions from crisis support to general counselling.

MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

SuicideLine Victoria – 1300 651 251