Report: 150 people took their own life in the last year after experiencing domestic abuse

A new report has found that 150 people took their own life in the last year after experiencing domestic violence.

Figures from The National Police Chiefs’ Council for England and Wales show 553 such deaths over the last 5 years.

In 88 per cent of these suicide cases, the abuse had previously been reported to police.

While experts note factors causing suicide are complex, the report forms part of the government’s ongoing campaign to reduce violence against women and girls, and found that 78 per cent of people who took their own life after domestic abuse were female.

We spoke to Frank Mullane who set up the organisation Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, after his sister and nephew were killed by his sister’s partner.

We began by asking what he makes of the figures.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this report you can find places to seek help at Channel4.com/support