Homicides and homicide-suicides perpetrated by unpaid carers (also known as family caregivers) regularly make the headlines, but little is known about these tragic events. Associate Professor Siobhan O’Dwyer leads research that explores why carers think about ending the life of the person they care for, what triggers them to act on these thoughts, and how better support for people with disabilities and their families might prevent deaths by homicide and homicide-suicide.

The research on homicidal ideation has been published in peer-reviewed journal articles, led to the development of a new framework for understanding carer homicides, inspired critically acclaimed plays and artworks and made international news, and it is now informing changes in policy and practice. If your organisation would like to understand the evidence or build your skills for preventing homicide, training is available.

If you’re a carer who needs support, please contact Samaritans (in the UK), Lifeline (in Australia) or the telephone helpline in your area.