Domestic Violence & Suicide

Domestic Violence & Suicide

Domestic violence is a risk factor for suicide. Studies have shown a connection between exposure to intimate partner violence and suicide. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. Intimate partner violence can lead to a number of psychological consequences, including suicide.

In a study published in Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 41(4):372-383, Cavanaugh,  Messing, Del-Colle, O’Sullivan & Campbell, (2011) reported:

  • Women who had been victimized by intimate partner violence, and who had a chronic illness or disability, had 2.4 times the risk of threatening or attempting suicide than women who had been victimized but did not have a chronic illness or disability.
  • Women who had been victims of intimate partner violence and whose partners had threatened or attempted suicide were at greater risk of suicide than women victims whose partners had never threatened or attempted suicide.
  • Younger victims of intimate partner violence were more at risk for suicidality than older victims.
  • Of the women who had experienced intimate partner violence, 23% had threatened or attempted suicide.

South Dakota has a statewide Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-430-7233. This line can be accessed 24/7 by those in domestic violence situations, friends or concerned loved ones. The Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention, support, and referrals to local crisis shelters in the state.