In the broader ADF, the proportion of women who attempted suicide (0.5%) was about the same as the proportion of men (0.4%).45 In the Australian community (where the population is more evenly split) women make up about one-quarter of the number of suicides annually.46 These figures indicate that ADFA is an area of particular risk for undergraduate women. This is reflected in a staff suicide awareness program.47 This issue is of particular importance at ADFA as undergraduates are at the peak age of onset of mental health issues.48 Cultural and environmental factors are critical in managing and responding to the issues which can be presented by such a population and have a great bearing on the outcome. The Suicide Awareness presentation was interactive and participants were highly engaged. ADFA is to be commended for its focus and explicit discussion of these issues, for providing information on the supports which are available and the protocols it has in place in order to respond to such an event. ADFA may, however, consider seeking expert advice as to the timing of this session, i.e. whether it is appropriate for the second day of YOFT training or whether it might be better delivered later in YOFT. Recommendation 31: In order to provide cadets with a range of support options regarding health and wellbeing, sexual or personal abuse and violence, ADFA: a) provide and/or display in plain view in residential and academic premises, information on key internal and external support services to cadets, including but not limited to the proposed ADFA Toll-free hotline (rec. 24), Health Services, Women’s Mensline, the Rape Crisis Centre, Lifeline and drug and alcohol counseling b) develop partnerships with key external service providers, including those that are predominantly utilised by women, to ensure that ADFA provides a holistic response to health, wellbeing and cadets’ safety needs.
In the broader ADF, the proportion of women who attempted suicide (0.5%) was about the same as the proportion of men (0.4%).45 In the Australian community (where the population is more evenly split) women make up about one-quarter of the number of suicides annually.46 These figures indicate that ADFA is an area of particular risk for undergraduate women. This is reflected in a staff suicide awareness program.47 This issue is of particular importance at ADFA as undergraduates are at the peak age of onset of mental health issues.48 Cultural and environmental factors are critical in managing and responding to the issues which can be presented by such a population and have a great bearing on the outcome. The Suicide Awareness presentation was interactive and participants were highly engaged. ADFA is to be commended for its focus and explicit discussion of these issues, for providing information on the supports which are available and the protocols it has in place in order to respond to such an event. ADFA may, however, consider seeking expert advice as to the timing of this session, i.e. whether it is appropriate for the second day of YOFT training or whether it might be better delivered later in YOFT. Recommendation 31: In order to provide cadets with a range of support options regarding health and wellbeing, sexual or personal abuse and violence, ADFA: a) provide and/or display in plain view in residential and academic premises, information on key internal and external support services to cadets, including but not limited to the proposed ADFA Toll-free hotline (rec. 24), Women’s Health Services, Mensline, the Rape Crisis Centre, Lifeline and drug and alcohol counseling b) develop partnerships with key external service providers, including those that are predominantly utilised by women, to ensure that ADFA provides a holistic response to cadets’ health, wellbeing and safety needs.