Suicide prevention research is a central concern of researchers at CCDE. Our focus is primarily on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and communities, and we approach suicide prevention from multiple perspectives and through different activities:

  • policy development and engagement
  • community- and school-based early intervention and prevention
  • clinically oriented research in hospitals and community mental health services and population level research on determinants of suicide risk and protection.

Our parenting programs were initiated as part of a community response to alarming rates of suicide on the Tiwi Islands and other NT communities. They aim to provide support for the development of at risk children and their families.

We have developed preventative social-emotional learning programs and anti-bullying resources for Aboriginal youth from remote communities.

Our projects also evaluate outcomes of hospital treatment, mental health care and prevention services and aim to contribute to best practice in assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presenting to hospitals with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. 

We conduct studies of self-harm in the wider community, focusing on identification of risk and protective factors at the population level. CYDRP / hospitalisation study

In 2013, a CCDE team led a national consultancy to draft Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched in May 2013. The national strategy is available on the Australian Government Department of Health website