Intimate partner violence: are perpetrators also victims and are they more likely to experience suicide ideation?

The current study examined the relations among several risk factors--hopelessness, depressive symptoms, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, alcohol-related problems, and intimate partner violence (victimization and perpetration)--and suicide ideation, as measured by the Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation, in college students (n = 994). In addition, the overlap between being a victim and perpetrator of various types of intimate partner violence was examined. Results indicated substantial overlap in the victim and perpetrator roles, up to 96.6% for negotiation. In the negative binomial regression analysis, reports of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and alcohol-related problems all significantly predicted suicide ideation in the expected direction. However, none of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale subscales predicted suicide ideation above and beyond the established risk factors. Implications are offered for the improved identification and treatment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students.