Self-harm, suicide attempts… there is often domestic violence behind it

in collaboration with

Sabrina Philippe (Psychologist)

Victims of domestic violence are more at risk of self-harm and even suicide attempts. This is the result of a recent British study published in The Lancet Psychiatrywhich was based on face-to-face interviews with more than 7,000 men and women of all ages, all professions, and all economic situations.

Domestic violence: three times more likely to attempt suicide

We already knew that domestic and/or sexual violence is a risk factor for psychiatric disorders in victims. But a study conducted by the universities of London, Manchester, Leicester and Bristol on more than 7,000 English adults now goes further. On the one hand, this study reveals that:

• 27% of women and 15% of men in this panel have suffered domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime.

These victims had:

• Twice the risk of self-harm without suicidal intent;
• Almost twice the risk of having suicidal thoughts;
• And nearly three times the risk of attempted suicide.

Rates that are particularly high among people who have been subjected to several types of violence within the couple: sexual, emotional and physical. “The more a person is exposed to many types of domestic violence, the higher the risk of self-harm and suicide” confirms the study.

The study also showed “that women are about ten times more likely to experience such violence than men, which is associated with particularly high odds of self-harm and suicidal behavior”.

Turn violence against oneself, to break the impasse

For Sabrina Philippe, a psychologist questioned on these conclusions, the result of the study is not surprising and appears as the consequence of a silence still too present around the violence. “Victims of domestic violence most often feel at an impasse, a material and psychological impasse. Why ? Because they can’t talk about it freely, because their complaint, if they dare, is generally not heard.”

Also recalling that the material impasse and progressive isolation are part of the daily lives of these victims. “In this context, the only departure envisaged, or the possible alarm signal, seems to them to be suicide.”confirms the psychologist.

Dealing with violence from hospitalization

If the study points to the risk of suicide attempts in the wake of violence between partners, it also calls for better care for people hospitalized for suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or suicide attempts. Sally McManus, senior lecturer at the Violence and Society Center in London, and first author of the study points out: “There is a high likelihood that a person presenting to services in suicidal distress will be a victim of domestic violence. Health, social service and social care professionals should ask people who have self-harmed or are at risk to commit suicide if they are victims of IPV violence (intimate partner violence)and professionals must be prepared to act accordingly”.

A conclusion approved by Sabrina Philippe: “Even today, the subject of violence is not automatically raised during hospitalization for attempted suicide. It would be necessary to regularize this approach”.