Suicide Prevention- Understanding the Overlap with Domestic and Sexual Violence

By: Olivia Hernandez

Every year, thousands of lives are lost to suicide, and behind many of these tragedies lies an untold story of abuse and violence.

​September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when communities across the U.S. share resources and raise awareness about mental health and suicide risk. However, the critical link between suicide and domestic or sexual violence is often overlooked.
 
How DV and SA Increase Suicide Risk
Survivors of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) face higher rates of depression, PTSD, and feelings of hopelessness, all important risk factors for suicide.
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According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), survivors of intimate partner violence are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who have not experienced such abuse. (1)

• The RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) reports that 33% of sexual assault survivors contemplate suicide. For many, emotional pain can feel unbearable without the right support. (2)

 
Understanding the Hidden Factors
Domestic violence and sexual assault don’t just cause physical harm, they often involve psychological abuse, financial control, and social isolation, which can increase suicidal thoughts.

• Abusers may threaten or manipulate a survivor into feeling trapped, worthless, or to blame.
• Survivors may fear not being believed if they reach out for help.
• Cultural stigma can silence clients, especially in small or rural communities.

 
How We Can Help
 
While suicide is a sensitive topic, there are ways we can help survivors struggling with suicidal ideation. It’s important that we do our best to help while they are still here to receive help.
 
Listen and Believe

• If someone shares their story of abuse or suicidal thoughts, believe them. Listen without judgment. Let them know they are not alone.

 
Connect Them to Help

• Support survivors in finding professional help:
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or https://988lifeline.org
  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or https://www.rainn.org
  • The Hotline (DV Support): 800-799-7233 or https://www.thehotline.org

 
 Offer Support, Education, and Resources

• Organizations that support survivors must also understand the risk of suicide and train staff to respond with care. Safety planning shouldn’t just include physical safety but mental health too.

 
Where to Learn More
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
 
Ending suicide means ending the silence for survivors of violence, ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can help prevent another life lost to despair.
 
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out: Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
 
 Sources Cited

1. NCADV Statistics: https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS

 

1. RAINN Statistics: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence

 
            988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
 
            Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/
 
            NAMI: https://www.nami.org/    

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