Authors:
Dudgeon P, Walker R, Scrine C, editors.
Authors notes:
Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Conference; 2015; Cairns Convention Centre: Reef and Leaf Press.
Keywords:
Suicide prevention, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, communities, Australia
Abstract:
Suicide, suicide ideation and self-harm are critically important public health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Evidence shows that the unacceptably high Aboriginal suicide ratesare due to multiple factors, many underpinned by the population-level consequences of transgenerational trauma, grief and loss,disempowerment and dislocation.
Adding to this is the cumulative and negative impact of a range of social determinants that can lead to a devastating cycle of despair, depression and hopelessness for many people.
Research conducted to date as part ofthe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP) confirms there has been an overwhelming number of consultations with Aboriginal people and reports identifying the issues and how best to respond to them.
The preliminary findings from this national research project suggest that collectively these reports and consultations provide a strong evidence base that indicates the factors underlying or common to effective strategies and thus where best to direct funding for sustainable change.
Yet there are still gaps in the irection of much government funding with a propensity to prioritise addressing negative behaviours, rather than supporting programs that strengthen individual and family and community capacity, social inclusion and positive future orientation.