Suicide & Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the Connection
While September was Suicide Awareness Month, October marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These two public health crises are intricately linked.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines intimate partner violence (IPV) as “behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners.” The WHO estimates that 26% of women will experience IPV over their lifetime.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that:
About 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported a related impact.
Over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
A recent study conducted by UNC (University of North Carolina) Gillings School of Global Public Health indicates that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a precursor to 6.1% of all suicides in North Carolina. They say that if this finding is projected nationally, it would mean there could be over 2,900 IPV-related suicides per year in the U.S. This number, which is significant, is comparable to the total number of intimate partner homicides per year in the U.S.
Why are victims of IPV more susceptible to suicide?
According to HCDVCC, “The Interconnectedness Studies show that victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological strains can lead to a higher susceptibility to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Research indicates that as many as 1 in 3 survivors of domestic violence have considered suicide at some point; a staggering figure that underlines the severity of the issue.”
It is very important for mental health professionals to be on the lookout for signs of IPV and for professionals supporting victims of IPV to be aware of the risks of suicide. Many factors increase an individual’s risk for suicide, including individual, relationship, community, and societal. You can find the CDC’s list of both protective and risk factors for suicide here.
NH-based resources about IPV can be found at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence site here or by calling 1-866-644-3574. NH-based mental health resources and support can be found at NAMI-NH’s site or by calling 1-800-242-6264 or 603-225-5359.
If you are in crisis, you can always call or text 988 for free, confidential support.
For general information about suicide prevention in NH, visit www.zerosuicidesnh.org.