Suicide & self-harm monitoring
Homelessness and housing instability
Homelessness and housing insecurity are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours (Brackertz 2020). People experiencing homelessness face significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to the general population (Ayano et al. 2019). On ABS Census night in 2021, more than 122,000 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in Australia – 56% were male, 21% were aged 25–34 and 20% were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people (ABS 2023).
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2025) Homelessness and homelessness services, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 21 February 2025.
Ayano G, Tsegay L, Abraha M and Yohannes K (2019) ‘Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among Homeless People: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’, Psychiatr Q, 90(4):829–842, doi: 10.1007/s11126-019-09667-8. PMID: 31463733.
Brackertz N (2020) The role of housing insecurity and homelessness in suicidal behaviour and effective interventions to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a review of the evidence, Evidence Check prepared by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Limited for the National Suicide Prevention Adviser and the National Suicide Prevention Taskforce, commissioned through the Suicide Prevention Research Fund, managed by Suicide Prevention Australia, accessed 24 December 2024.