November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The website of the United Nations, in a dedicated page, describes violence against women as “one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world”, which still “remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it” (LINK). Violence may be physical, sexual but also psychological. Consequences of all these types of violence against women may result in short- and long- term physical, psychological, and sexual problems (LINK).
In the manual “Preventing intimate partner and sexual violence against women: taking action and generating evidence” (LINK), the WHO stresses the role possibly played by a history of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence on increased health risks and health-risk behaviours in both males and females. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of child sexual abuse and its lifetime health consequences showed that child sexual abuse significantly contributes to depression, alcohol and drug use and dependence, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide attempts.
The possible correlation between violence against women and suicide is addressed by websites such as suicide.org (LINK): the website reports that about 33% of rape victims may show suicidal thoughts, while 13% make a suicide attempt or eventually die by suicide, and suggests a relationship between these events and the violence-related long-term emotional consequences, depressive symptoms and stigma. Many women may feel trapped and powerless, and may find it difficult to ask for help, for example because they may feel embarrassed to talk about their experiences, and may believe that suicide is the only way out. Many children living in households where domestic violence occurs may attempt suicide (LINK)
The Rape Crisis Scotland published an interesting manual named “ Suicidal thoughts/feelings. Information for survivors of sexual violence” with many self-care tips for survivors (LINK).
To know more, contact EPA- SSSP e-mail address:
epasectionsuicidology@gmail.com
“Domestic violence is always wrong, and it is a crime.
And there is never an excuse for domestic violence.
Never.”
From http://www.suicide.org/domestic-violence-and-suicide.html
EPA Section of Suicidology and Suicide Prevention 