This research by Dwyer et al published in 2023 examined patterns in jumping suicides across Victoria after a safety barrier was installed at the West Gate Bridge, which, Before installation of the barrier, was the site of approximately 40% of Victoria’s jumping suicides.
After installation of the safety barrier at the West Gate Bridge, jumping suicide in Victoria decreased overall and at other bridges, and did not appear to change at non-bridge locations. Our findings show that when barriers are installed at a site responsible for a disproportionately high number of jumping suicides, they are not only highly effective at the site where the barriers are installed but can also have a prevention impact beyond the immediate locale at similar sites.
Access the full paper here.
12 January 2024