AWW NSW advocates for the needs of all women and families of veterans connected to defence service. We provide a voice for our members and community, ensuring that their views are represented across all areas that impact upon them.

AWW NSW welcomes any inquiry that examines the causes, issues and systems that impact upon veterans and their families. With the rate of veteran suicide more than twice the national average, and even higher for female veterans, it is important that critical lessons are learned and applied in a coordinated effort.

Consistent with our other submissions, and upon consultation with our members and veteran community, AWW NSW believes the following core issues ought to be considered in the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission:

• The need for the entire veteran support system to be examined.
• The need for suicide attempts and patterns of dangerous and risky behaviour.
• The need for experiences to be examined and compared to the policy framework.
• The need to examine the powerful cultural influences that can have negative consequences for both veterans and their families.
• The level of regulatory oversight of veteran’s treatment and access the means to harm oneself (including pharmaceuticals).
• The duty of care of all entities within the veteran support system to intervene when cases of dangerous or risky behaviour or other risk factors pertaining to suicide, and self-harm are bought to their attention.
• The efficacy of treatments and diagnosis of mental health conditions impacting veterans.
• The need to support the families of veterans before, during and after instances of ill health/ suicide.
• The need to ensure strong accountability in the delivery of royal commission findings and implementation of recommendations.

Our submission is on behalf of our community and represents their voices. We will continue to represent the interests of those impacted by Defence and Veteran suicide.

For more information or enquiries, contact AWW NSW CEO Renee Wilson rwilson@warwidowsnsw.com.au

The post Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

With the rate of veteran suicide more than twice the national average, and even higher for female veterans, it is important that critical lessons are learned and applied in a coordinated effort.

The matter of veteran suicide is complex and one that involves all segments of the veteran support ecosystem. All organisations, government and non-government, have a role to play in reducing the instances of suicide and in equipping veterans and their families with the skills that they need to manage their mental health, the impacts of trauma and Service.

The impacts of both suicide and ill mental health on veteran’s families are significant. We must do all we can to support them to limit the instances and effects of suicide, and mental illness on the whole family unit.

AWW NSW will continue to advocate for the needs of all women and families of veterans connected to defence service. We provide a voice for our members and ensure their views are represented across all policy domains that impact them.

To all members of the veteran community, it is important for you to know that you are not alone, you are worthy of support and assistance, we are here for you now and into the future.

If you, or someone you know needs help, contact:

• Triple zero if you feel like you may hurt yourself or someone else – 000
• Open Arms – 1800 011 046
• SafeZone Support – 1800 142 072
• ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036
• 1800RESPECT, National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732
• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia –1300 789 978
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• ReachOut – au.reachout.com

Enquiries to be directed to Renee Wilson, Chief Executive Officer Australian War Widows NSW Ph: 02 9267 6577.

The post Support for Inquiry into Veteran Suicide first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.