Managing post-sexual assault suicide risk

Abstract

Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are common after experiencing a sexual assault. Therefore, it is imperative to assess for and manage suicidal ideation using evidencebased techniques after a sexual assault medical forensic examination (SAMFE). Methods: We assessed factors associated with higher suicidal ideation identified in a post-SAMFE mental health screening conducted over the phone and strategies to manage suicide risk. We also discuss three case examples and unique considerations when assessing post-SAMFE suicide risk.Results: It was found that among individuals who completed a post-SAMFE screen, individuals who have been previously hospitalized for a mental health problem, who had higher posttraumatic stress symptoms, and who were homeless reported more suicidal ideation than those without those histories or symptom presentations. Conclusions: Despite knowing potential risk factors for suicidal ideation post-SAMFE, it is essential to screen all individuals post-SAMFE due to their high risk for suicidal ideation and death by suicide.

Suicidal thoughts among young bisexual women: Sexual violence, minority stress, and interpersonal factors.

“…Further, the assessment of suicide risk with bisexual women should also include an assessment of minority stress, including any experiences with antibisexual stigma and discrimination and internal aspects of stigma, and of SV history. Although we did not find associations between ASA and suicidal thoughts, other research indicated that suicidal thoughts are common after recent ASA (Gilmore et al, 2020); suicide risk screening and interventions may be particularly warranted in the weeks following ASA.…”

Child Sexual Abuse and Suicide

“…Barriers to suicide risk screening in the healthcare setting have been identified and include lack of provider knowledge regarding suicide risk, provider discomfort with screening and follow-up procedures, time constraints, and perceived parental disapproval (Horowitz et al, 2014). It is imperative that forensic nurses overcome these barriers to feel comfortable and competent utilizing evidence-based techniques to assess and intervene for suicidal ideation and behaviors in child and adolescent sexual abuse/assault patients (Gilmore et al, 2020).…”

Tentativa de autoextermínio e violência sexual: perfil de um ambulatório do Distrito Federal

“…Detectar pacientes com ideação suicida durante consulta médica pode aumentar a capacidade de intervir, minimizando o risco de suicídio e permitindo intervenções mais eficazes, especialmente nos pacientes vítimas de violência sexual, visando melhor processamento do evento ocorrido 15 . Melhorar a relação familiar pode reduzir o risco de suicídio em adolescentes vítimas de abuso sexual na infância 14 .…”