The relationship between sexual abuse and female suicidal behavior.

This study investigated the relationship between suicide attempts and a history of sexual abuse. In a sample of 158 female suicide attempters aged 20 years or older, 50% of the subjects reported having been sexually abused at some time. Sexually abused suicide attempters had shown more suicidal behavior in the past than their non-sexually abused counterparts (even though they were significantly younger), and were characterized by a more severe problem history. In the past, as well as shortly after the index attempt, they had experienced more serious problems in their relationships with significant others, with sexuality, and with self-fulfillment. At follow-up 1 year later, significantly more sexually abused women had attempted suicide during the intervening period than the women without a history of sexual abuse, and they also had more serious sexual problems. It is concluded that within a group of female suicide attempters, those with a history of sexual abuse are disproportionately vulnerable to repeated suicidal behavior.