Two reports provide valuable insights into veteran suicide

The death of any Defence member or veteran is felt deeply across the entire Defence and veteran community.

Addressing this issue is a key priority for DVA and the Government and two recently released reports provide vital information to help us do that. They bring a focus to this critical issue, which is so important to our community.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released its annual suicide monitoring report, outlining instances of suicide in the Defence and veteran community, and the Government released the final report of the Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

Both reports were released on 29 September 2021 and provide crucial information that helps to deepen the understanding of instances of suicide in the veteran community and provides insights into how best to support those who need it most.

Importantly, these reports were released prior to the commencement of formal hearings by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and they provide up-to-date data and information for its consideration.

You can view both of these reports online:

Support

Help is available, including:

  • free, lifetime mental health care for anyone with even a single day of continuous full-time service in the Australian Defence Force
  • immediate financial assistance for those submitting mental health claims
  • case management for those with complex needs.

Services that understand the military experience are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: