Groups aim to tackle key concerns facing migrants to prevent suicides

More than six months after a spate of suicides among South Asian women in one Melbourne area was first reported by SBS News, work is being done at the grassroots level to tackle key concerns facing migrants. The City of Whittlesea - an outer northern local government area - saw at least six suspected suicides with disturbing similarities in 2 years.

Sad woman or teenager girl looking through a steamy car window. Source: Getty

Frontline support groups such as not-for-profit Christian organisation, the Brotherhood of St Laurence has been organising a series of events in recent months in the Whittlesea area, aimed at getting women out of the house and into the community.

Such activities more critical than ever after the local community was rocked by six suspected suicides of women - five understood to be mothers - all from similar ethnic backgrounds.

A coronial investigation into four of the deaths last September found more accessible and culturally appropriate support services were needed for South Asian women living in the area.

Victoria Police have yet to commit to allocating Family Violence Investigation Units to investigate suspected suicides of migrant women in the area, in circumstances where family violence or social isolation may be contributing factors.

 

SBS’ series on Domestic Violence See What You Made Me Do, Wednesday 19 May @8.30 pm. Or stream free on SBS and On Demand.

Download the free SBS Radio app to listen live and on-demand or explore podcasts.

https://podfollow.com/sbs-japanese

Visit our Facebook for more Japanese stories and images.