Increase in homicides by people with psychosis due to failings in mental health system, experts warn
Experts warn that a significant increase in homicides committed by individuals with psychosis in Victoria, Australia, is linked to systemic failures in the mental health system. Research indicates that nearly one-third of recent homicides involved perpetrators with psychotic disorders, highlighting a need for better early intervention.
Why it matters
This highlights a critical public safety and healthcare crisis, suggesting that inadequate mental health funding and policy are leading to preventable tragedies.
"If you treat people with psychosis early and effectively, you prevent poor outcomes later, including violence," says forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee. ( ABC News: Danielle Bonica )
New data suggests 43 out of an estimated 126 homicides in Victoria in 2024 and 2025 (about one in three) were committed by people with psychosis.
Many of the deaths could have been prevented, doctors say, had the perpetrators received proper treatment.
Experts have warned this is the result of serious failings in Victoria's mental health system, with some calling for a review of the royal commission's recommendations.
Link copied Share Share article A fourfold increase in the number of homicides committed by people with psychotic disorders in Victoria is the result of catastrophic failings in the mental health system that are exposing the community to dangerous levels of risk, experts have warned.
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