1.4 Caveats and limitations

A number of limitations and caveats apply to the findings presented in this Report, particularly in relation to internal and external data. Internal data limitations include incomplete data, the relatively short timeframe of the Evaluation, and the absence of quantifiable outcome measures. External factors relate to the significant challenges involved in evaluating suicide prevention programs which are well recognised in the sector including the fact that suicide is a statistically rare event, attribution is difficult and issues related to the quality and timeliness of suicide data.