Intergenerational Trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide: This fact sheet describes the impact of intergenerational trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide

To fully understand and effectively address the complex reasons for the growing rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ suicide, we need to view the issue through a trauma-informed lens and within a historical and social context. The combined effects of colonisation and oppressive policies and practices have had a profound and enduring impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and social and emotional wellbeing. The devastating impacts of past events, including massacres and forced removals from family and Country, remain in the minds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Current policies are still contributing to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out-of-home care and the justice system, which contributes to continuing intergenerational trauma (also known as transgenerational trauma).